Tag: mycotoxin testing

EnviroLogix Inc. Launches TotalTox™ Testing Kits – a Game Changing Solution for On-site Multiple Mycotoxin Testing

Posted on by Brian Harris
TotalTox(TM) MycoToxin Comb
A beta version of the comb is currently available worldwide. The final market version (pictured above) is expected to be available in Q4 of 2020

EnviroLogix Inc.’s 25-year history as a technology innovator for the global agricultural diagnostic markets continues with the introduction of TotalTox™ testing kits – the next generation solution for rapid, on-site testing for multiple mycotoxins. EnviroLogix Inc., the first lateral flow strip provider for on-site mycotoxin testing, now brings the first and only multiple mycotoxin strip comb to market (patent pending). The TotalTox™ comb provides fast time to results by using a common extraction and sample dilution protocol. The individual test strips on the TotalTox™ comb are connected through a common backing, simplifying handling and speeding up testing. Furthermore, the entire TotalTox™ comb fits into the QuickScan™ system for simultaneous data capture and result reporting.

Portland, ME, August 12, 2020 – EnviroLogix Inc. commercialized TotalTox™ testing kits, the fastest and easiest to use on-site testing solution for mycotoxins in grain and grain co-products. TotalTox™ tests were developed to help buyers of grain (grain elevators, corn mills, feed mills, ethanol plants et al.) improve their mycotoxin risk management capabilities, while simultaneously increasing their mycotoxin testing operational efficiency. TotalTox™ mycotoxin tests for aflatoxin, DON (vomitoxin), fumonisin and zearalenone are currently available as single strip kits or in a comb format.

“Through our close partnerships with the world’s leading grain, feed, and grain processing companies, we heard and acted on the need for a better solution for testing multiple mycotoxins on-site”, said Bill Welch, EnviroLogix CEO. “TotalTox™ offers a combination of accuracy, speed, and protocol simplicity for testing multiple mycotoxins that is truly a breakthrough compared to market alternatives. Since the TotalTox™ tests for aflatoxin, DON, fumonisin, and zearalenone share the same protocol for corn testing, screening for multiple mycotoxins is quick and minimizes chances for operator error. By creating a single testing device (a comb) out of the individual strips, the benefit of a common and simple protocol is amplified, resulting in a faster time to result and a user-friendly experience. The tests are read on the QuickScan™ system all at once; results are captured in data logs and PDF reports providing source traceability.”

TotalTox™ tests enhance the benefits of the QuickScan™ system. By testing for multiple mycotoxins and utilizing the trend analysis functions unique to the QuickScan™ system, one can make data informed decisions on what toxins to test for based on regional risks and what suppliers to closely monitor based on historical delivery quality. “TotalTox™ tests on the QuickScan™ system is changing the paradigm of mycotoxin risk management from a traditionally reactionary program to a data-driven proactive program,” said Rob McPheeters, Vice President, Strategic Development. “Instead of waiting for lab results from composite samples or processed materials, mycotoxin contamination can be assessed on-site, truck by truck, at the start of harvest. Toxin trends can be charted by type and supplier using the data management capabilities of the QuickScan system. By assessing total mycotoxin quality upstream and early in the harvest, the testing plan for the remainder of the harvest can be optimized to reduce the cost of testing while lowering the risk of sourcing unsuitable corn.”

Not only do TotalTox™ kits deliver the fastest results using a common water-based extraction, but the kits also have certified performance. Unlike alternative solutions, the TotalTox™ kits are FGIS-AMS (formerly GIPSA) certified (the TotalTox™ zearalenone certification is pending).

But the innovation doesn’t stop here; additional mycotoxins will be added to the TotalTox™ product line and continued software enhancements will be made to the QuickScan™ system.

“The QuickScan™ system has the largest reading capacity available in the market,” said Will Silton, Vice President of Sales for the Americas. “It is also the most flexible, allowing our customer’s to read mycotoxin and GMO tests, in strip or comb format, all at once”.

EnviroLogix Inc. is a leading producer of mycotoxin and GMO tests serving the food and feed safety market. The company continues to provide innovative solutions to its markets and was the first to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain. EnviroLogix’ commitment to scientific innovation and providing exceptional solutions for today’s identity-preservation and food-safety environments remains at the forefront with the commercialization of the TotalTox mycotoxin testing kits.

For more information about EnviroLogix Inc. and the TotalTox testing kits, view the Total Tox brochure An introduction to TotalTox.

CONTACT: Brian Harris, EnviroLogix Inc.,  bharris@envirologix.com

Storage Under Pressure: Squeezing This Year’s Crop for Max Value

Posted on by Susan Whipkey

With unprecedented bushels per acre numbers projected a month ago, the U.S. was looking like it was headed for the largest corn harvest in history. Though recently those yield projections retreated a bit, overall numbers look like we’ll see another bumper crop of corn this year.

As is the case when corn acreage and yields are high, two factors come in to play: downward pressure on prices and less-than-ideal storage solutions, including bags, open bins, and ground piles.

In order to squeeze out the maximum value of this year’s harvest, grain handlers need to mitigate post-harvest losses due to damage, infestation, and especially mycotoxin contamination, by properly storing and monitoring corn.

Storage practices need to be adequate to protect the value of what’s being stored, distilled down to 4 factors:

1. Moisture: Mold needs moisture to grow so when you reduce your moisture content you improve your chances of winning the fight against mycotoxin producing molds. It is recommended to reduce the amount of moisture as early as possible and to keep the percent moisture at 14% or less.

2. Temperature: Keep cool and even temperatures by using proper aeration.  Why?  Keeping the temperature cool will make the environment less favorable for insects. Keeping the temperature even will reduce the chance of condensation that can occur from drastic temperature changes.

3. Insects: Control insects or mitigate insects. Insects can damage grain with digging, chewing and leaving waste, leaving it more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. They can also bring in additional moisture.

4. Damage: Remember the old adage “quality in quality out”?  Damaged grain is more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.  Separate or sell damaged grain to limit its incorporation into high-quality stored grains.

storage animation: moisture, temperature, damage, and insects

Monitoring incoming and stored commodities is critical to protecting value.

Remember that weather conditions are not a guarantee of either presence or absence of mycotoxins, and reliance upon rumors either way is foolhardy at best and costly at its worst.  Begin with testing incoming grain to set a baseline understanding of the grain quality in your area, then continue to monitor stored grains, whether in bins, piles, or bags.  Cool weather is no guarantee to keep molds and mycotoxins at bay, as temperatures and moisture levels especially in the center of a ground pile can climb without proper aeration.

It is generally recommended to inspect stored corn weekly during fall and spring, and once or twice a month during winter, so any potential for loss can be addressed immediately.

By regularly testing your grain, you can assure that your storage practices are working effectively, and you’ll achieve the maximum value when it’s time to sell.

A list of EnviroLogix’ most popular mycotoxin test kits for use with the EnviroLogix QuickScan II quantitative GMO and mycotoxin detection instrument appears below:

Contact us if you have questions or concerns about how mycotoxin contamination might be present in the grain in your supply chain. We can be reached at (866) 408-4597 or info@envirologix.com.

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Why one elevator may accept your corn and another rejects it

Posted on by Brian Harris

Here at EnviroLogix, we have recently seen instances in the press of frustrated farmers complaining about variance in results from mycotoxin detection testing performed at different grain elevators. Because consistency and accuracy are foundational to our mission, this caught our attention and we wanted to offer some important tips.

There are four factors that may contribute to the variance in the test results shown in the media:

  • One of the most usual suspects when there has been a lot of rain is moisture.
    BUNN GRINDER SETTINGS
    To deal with moist grain, prior to testing, we recommend running it through the grinder on a coarse setting (e.g., ‘Drip’ on a Bunn Coffee Grinder) once and then a second time on a less course setting (e.g., ‘Turkish’).

  • A very common culprit is sampling.
    USDA GIPSA FLAT BOTTOM TRUCK SAMPLING DIAGRAM
    (flat truck sampling guideline courtesty of USDA)
    Sampling is the science of obtaining as homogenous a sample of the grain within a truck as possible, blending probed samples together to ensure that grain from all areas of the truck are represented. The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration has extensive recommendations on best practices for obtaining a homogenous sample; and homogeneity is the key to consistent detection. Not only does this increase the probability that mycotoxins present in the load will be detected, but it also gives a better, more accurate representation of what the contamination level is across the entire truckload.

  • The next most likely reason that variance might occur in different grain elevators is deviation from protocol.
    Each test kit comes with detailed instructions for operators to run the test. Whenever there is a question about protocol, don’t make assumptions…check the instructions and, if in doubt, reach out for technical advice. Here is a video showing best practices for testing for DON. Proper protocol will yield the best, the most accurate, and most consistent results with the least variance from site to site.

  • Finally, there is also a possibility that different elevators have different thresholds of acceptance.
    Depending on whom the elevator intends to sell their supply to and what applications the grain may have from there, different elevators may be more tolerant of certain contamination levels than others.

We want to help everyone in the supply chain understand how variability can occur, how to minimize it, and to better understand how best practices in probing/sampling as well as test protocols can dramatically improve accuracy and reduce variance.

DON (also known as Vomitoxin or Vom) has become quite prevalent in areas such as Western Ontario, Eastern Michigan and spots throughout the US Ethanol production region. The EnviroLogix QuickTox for QuickScan DON Flex test is the fastest DON test in the rapid testing market; and is both AOAC Certified and GIPSA approved.

Name that strip!

Posted on by Daryn Daniluk

You may be moving corn for a Non-GMO Identity Program (IP), or you may be a farmer desiring a Non-GMO premium on thousands of acres of corn. The last thing anyone wants is GMO to be found while the product is headed for premium non-GMO markets. With all the GMO seed products on the market today, it is hard to keep track of which strip tests for what. Your neighbors could be buying and planting various GMO traits this spring. Wouldn’t it would be great to know what, exactly, is in your corn? Our non-GMO corn combs have as many as nine strips.  People often ask us, “what do all those strips do?” Because it is a full-time job to keep up on what GMO traits are present in any given seed, our corn comb is designed to detect the GMO protein in corn that is currently on the market. That way, you will be able to detect any and all GMO present in the corn coming through your facility, or in the seed that you are about to plant.

Our strips fall into three broad categories of trait detection:

  1. Herbicide tolerance,
  2. Lepidoptera managment, and
  3. Coleopteran management.

The first category refers to weed suppression. You’ve most likely heard of Roundup Ready. It was the first widely available trait in corn and it was a game changer. The second trait in this category that is detected by our corn comb is Liberty Link. Like Roundup Ready, it puts another powerful tool in the farmer’s tool box when dealing with competitive vegetation.

The next group is Lepidoptera managers. This is the genus of insect that Corn Borers fall into. ‘Cry’ proteins (GMO) kill insects and it is one of the most well-studied, well-characterized proteins in history. There are thousands of variations that have different effects on bugs. The ones that kill corn borers are Cry1, Cry1AB, Cry1F, and Vip3A…Vip proteins are fascinating in their own right, but we’ll write about that in a future article.

Last on our list are the Coleoptera managers, that mitigate potentially devastating pests such as root worms. In certain applications, these proteins are expressed specifically in root tissue keeping the protein where it is needed. No energy is wasted by expressing it in leaf tissue, for example. The proteins fatal to root worms are Cry3B, Cry34, and modified Cry3A.

Here is a Quick glance at the 9 strips that help you detect the presence of GMO.

Strip Name Commercial Product Function
C1 Cry1A YieldGard Bt11 Corn Borer/lepidopteran
RR Roundup Ready Agrisure, Optimum, Enlist, and others Herbicide Resistance
C3 Cry3B YieldGard Rootworm Rootworm/coleopteran
1F Cry1F Herculex, PowerCore, and Acremax Corn Borer/lepidopteran
LP Liberty Link Agrisure, SmartStax, Herculex, Optimum, and others Herbicide Resistance
34 Cry34 SmartStax, Herculex RW Rootworm/coleopteran
3A Modified Cry3A Agrisure Rootworm MIR604 Rootworm/coleopteran
C2 Cry2A Genuity/PowerCore Corn Borer/lepidopteran
VP Vip3A Viptera, MIR162 Corn Borer/lepidopteran

EnviroLogix published in Global Milling Advances

Posted on by Brian Harris

Composite image showing Global Milling Advances cover and Jamie Welch article, Increasing Throughput in Grain MillsJamie Welch, a scientist and Technology Product Manager at EnviroLogix, wrote an article on ‘Increasing Throughput at Grain Mills’ for the publication, Global Milling Advances. The article was requested by Global Milling Advances as part of their August 2018 focus on mycotoxins.

Welch’s article discusses the impact mycotoxins carry, the importance of testing, and how mycotoxin assay test time directly influences overall delivery throughput. It also touches on third party certification; data capture, analytics, and transmission; protocols; as well as sampling and other best practices.

Click here to read the article (pages 26-29). If you would like to discuss increasing your mill’s throughput, compliance, or accelerating your decisions, please contact EnviroLogix.

Poor Corn + Moisture = Mycotoxins?

Posted on by Brian Harris

Growing conditions and moisture levels are critical factors in the overall health of growing corn crops. Mycotoxin contamination can start in the field if fungi infect corn ears. The risk of pre-harvest fungal growth goes up if the condition of the crop is reported to be less than optimal (e.g., damaged by weather or insects). Another factor that increases the risk even further is moisture throughout the growing season.

Ultimately, corn that is growing in locations in which crop conditions have been classified as fair, poor, or very poor; and at the same time have been subjected to a persistently moist environment are at heightened risk for yielding grain that is contaminated with mycotoxins.

2018 Corn Crop Growing Condition as of August 22nd
State % of corn crop conditions reported
as fair, poor, or very poor
Illinois 24%
Indiana 30%
Iowa 28%
Kansas 71%
Kentucky 27%
Michigan 20%
Minnesota 23%
Missouri 71%
Montana 32%
Nebraska 17%
North Dakota 18%
Ohio 22%
Oklahoma 20%
South Dakota 33%
Tennessee 35%
Wisconsin 24%

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center database was used to identify at-risk regions with persistently moist growing conditions. The Soil Moisture Map (inset) shows persistently high levels of moisture (dark green) in several corn-growing US states from May 31st to August 27th.

Comparing this information to the corn crop quality as determined by the USDA Crop Progress and Conditions Report (see table) indicates several corn-producing states are at risk of corn crops that are contaminated by mycotoxins.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, the following states have had consistently anomalous soil moisture: Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Those states have also had double-digit percentage of fair, poor, or very poor growing conditions for corn; as have Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The table below indicates those levels.

This animation overlays the soil moisture data from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center with that of the crop conditions from the USDA Crop Progress and Prediction Report.

Sporadic reports of mycotoxin contamination have already begun to filter in as harvest season for many grains gets underway across the US. Not all crops are affected, but it’s essential to establish whether contamination has occurred in your supply chain and at what level.

If you or your suppliers are in the affected areas where factors conducive to mycotoxin contamination are prevalent, EnviroLogix strongly recommends careful sampling and testing. EnviroLogix makes a variety of test kits for testing mycotoxins in most grain types.

A list of EnviroLogix’ most popular mycotoxin test kits for use with the EnviroLogix QuickScan II quantitative GMO and mycotoxin detection instrument appears below:

Contact us if you have questions or concerns about how mycotoxin contamination might be present in the grain in your supply chain. We can be reached at (866) 408-4597 or info@envirologix.com.

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Mycotoxins in Non-GMO Feed Grains

Posted on by Brian Harris

Eager to supply the growing demand for organically produced milk and meat, many farms are testing corn, soy, and other feed components for GMOs. But what about mycotoxins?

The limited supply of non-GMO organic grains, which we wrote about last time, sometimes forces buyers to accept more broken and imperfect grains…the most susceptible to fungal infestation and possibly the development of mycotoxins, a toxic byproduct of certain fungi.

Some mycotoxins not only reduce yields, but also cause irreparable harm and even death. Whether feeding pigs, cattle, or poultry, mycotoxin testing is crucial to the success and profitability of organic milk and meat production.

For example, pigs are extremely sensitive to mycotoxins; breeding losses and hampered weight gain can reduce margins to the point of non-profitability. Mycotoxins are detrimental to poultry as well, one of the fastest-growing segments of organic demand. With effects such as poor gut integrity and gizzard erosion, broiler, turkey, and egg production margins are at risk.

The U.S. FDA regulates mycotoxin levels in food and feed, but organic producers are limited in their mycotoxin risk management and health prevention tools. By testing frequently along the feed supply chain, farmers, suppliers and producers alike can be confident in the animals’ health and better capitalize on this growing market.

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World GMO Cultivation

Posted on by Susan Whipkey
Chart Showing World GMO Culivation by Domestic and Imported Percentages
Growing percentage of U.S.
organic commodities from import
Demand for organic soybeans and corn is outpacing domestic supply, causing an increase in imported organic commodities, and a subsequent requirement for heightened testing.

Did you know that U.S. grain imports are on the rise? The increasing consumer demand for organic and non-GMO foods has exposed a shortfall in the U.S. supply chain. Even as domestic acreage devoted to organic soybeans and corn is increasing, production remains well short of demand.

The complex risk/reward calculation, as well as the multi-year commitment, has made it tough on US farmers to commit to joining the market. An additional 1 to 5 million acres would need to be converted to meet demand. Added to that, a ready supply of these commodities on the world market from countries such as Turkey, India, Ukraine and Romania keep a damper on market premiums for these commodities.

Unfortunately, it has also led to less-than-honest business practices, if not outright fraud, within the international supply chain. The Washington Post recently identified several shipments of grain that showed conventional pricing at the point of purchase that were inexplicably identified as organic when they reached the U.S.—and proven to not conform to the organic standard.

The truth is, there is very little confirmation testing when organic and non-GMO shipments are received; the documentation provided is relied upon, endangering the integrity of all downstream usage. Imported grain gets shuttled in numerous ways through various transit points with little traceability.

Though you are familiar with what crops are grown in your area, as well as your domestic partners supplying grain, there are many ways that your supply chain can be infiltrated with commodities from unknown sources. Reliance on paperwork and handshakes can severely compromise your product as well as your reputation.

EnviroLogix is committed to getting you the answers you need to ensure that you can reliably participate in non-GMO markets, with world-class GMO test coverage and traceable, quantifiable results for corn and soy, as well as canola, alfalfa and more. Test with confidence and get your own answers, insuring your own claims and reputation.

Want a GMO test? We have them available for the crops above and more…

For more GMO news, check out:

 

 

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DON Flex Adds Value by Increasing Throughput

Posted on by Brian Harris

Test kit providers, including EnviroLogix, like to tell you how much time you can save when using their products. Why? Because a faster test means more throughput for your facility. For example, our DON Flex kit has the industry’s fastest sample prep and test time, meaning more trucks can be processed during a normal 8-hour shift.

Time Trucks Graphic

Why is more throughput important? By allowing you to receive more product, you are adding to your bottom line without the expense of extending shifts or adding infrastructure.

In order to help demonstrate this, our field experts got together with our product managers and designed a mycotoxin kit calculator. By simply inputting some data about your facility and capacity, we can quickly and clearly equate time savings to real dollars in your pocket. 

Because every truck has value, the ability to process more truckloads when at full capacity adds more to your bottom line. If we assume every truck is worth $300, here’s an example of how higher throughput using DON Flex can put real money in your pockets.

Money Chart Graphic

 

EnviroLogix has also developed a Common Extraction protocol for DON, Aflatoxin and Fumonisin, with one sample prep, a few transfer steps, and a common four-minute run time. By streamlining many of the steps involved in testing multiple mycotoxins, you can realize even more efficiencies in your workflow. 

Visit our Common Extraction web page to learn more about how to increase efficiencies when testing for multiple mycotoxins. 

 

 

 

Your Partner in Grain Testing at the 2017 NGFA Conference

Posted on by Brian Harris

Grain testing can be easy, reliable and traceable. EnviroLogix will be in Louisville, KY from December 3-5 for the 2017 NGFA Country Elevator Conference where we will demonstrate how the QuickScan system can be a valuable resource in testing for both mycotoxins and GMOs. GIPSA-approved tests for Aflatoxin, Fumonisin and Vomitoxin (DON) are now available with the benefit of Common Extraction and Common Run Time for increased efficiency. In addition, the largest portfolio of on-site GMO tests in the industry ensures that you have the data needed to manage your business and meet changing market demands.

See Ben Weaver at booth #615 for a demo, and ask how QuickScan testing can improve your workflow and help you meet FSMA regulations.

Test DDGS for Mycotoxins Due to Increased Risk This Year

Posted on by Brian Harris

Although ethanol plants don’t need to check every incoming truck for every mycotoxin, it is good practice to screen the first incoming loads of harvested corn carefully to get a sense of the mycotoxins that might be present in newly-harvested corn. The mycotoxins of most concern are Aflatoxin, Vomitoxin (DON), and Fumonisin.  Testing for mycotoxins in ethanol plants isn’t new. It was implemented in most facilities when a secondary market for feed was found for the byproduct of ethanol production, DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles).

Screening for mycotoxins appears to be especially important this year; double-digit percentages of corn in “poor” and “very poor” condition are being reported in 9 states responsible for 70% of the US corn production, according to the latest USDA/NASS 2017 Crop Progress and Condition Report (see graphic).

In other words, conditions are ripe, and it is important to test DDGS for harmful mycotoxins.

Feed markets have very strict guidelines about the levels of mycotoxins present. With the multiplicative effect of corn ethanol production, even small amounts of mycotoxins coming into the plant can be magnified to reportable levels in the end product. And because each mycotoxin has known negative health impacts in animals, each has individual limits that vary according to species and age.

Added to that, the new guidelines for complying with the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) require testing and traceability of feed components. Plants with robust quality systems have been able to utilize existing systems to comply with the requirements for analyzing hazards and reporting results. But FSMA does not give guidance as to how frequently or comprehensively to test.

In general, getting a comprehensive baseline for a season can help quality managers set their testing frequencies and cutoffs for any particular year, and support the justification for that testing. Supplementary testing of homogeneous DDGS can provide additional data points and confirmation of good quality screening of incoming materials. That approach provides the basis for complying with the requirements and intention of FSMA.

Along with offering mycotoxin tests for corn and DDGS, EnviroLogix has introduced Common Extraction  testing for Aflatoxin, DON and Fumonisin that will allow for one sample preparation and a common run time when testing for these three mycotoxins in incoming corn.

The resulting operational efficiency streamlines early-season testing, and our world-class QuickScan System provides unparalleled quantification and traceability.  Contact us today to find out how you can take advantage of time-saving Common Extraction mycotoxin testing.

Keep Mycotoxins in Mind and Out of Your Grain

Posted on by Brian Harris
Remember that mycotoxins are produced by molds like Aspergillus (Afla) or Fusarium (DON).  You can learn more about mycotoxins in general and find more detail on the most common individual toxins here. When we speak about controlling mycotoxin contamination, we are really discussing creating grain storage conditions that are not favorable for mold growth. Here are 4 conditions you can control to help maintain the quality of your grain and keep mycotoxins out:

Moisture

Mold needs moisture to grow so when you reduce your moisture content you improve your chances of winning the fight against mycotoxin producing molds. It is recommended to reduce the amount of moisture as early as possible and to keep the percent moisture at 14% or less.

Temperature

Keep cool and even temperatures by using proper aeration.  Why?  Keeping the temperature cool will make the environment less favorable for insects. Keeping the temperature even will reduce the chance of condensation that can occur from drastic temperature changes.

Insects

Insects can damage grain with digging, chewing and leaving waste, leaving it more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. They can also bring in additional moisture.

Damaged Grain

Remember the old adage “quality in quality out”?  Damaged grain is more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.  Separate or sell damaged grain to limit its incorporation into high-quality stored grains.

Are your storage practices working?

Make sure your storage practices are adequate.  Monitor the quality of your grain through testing.  Begin with testing incoming grain to set a baseline understanding of the grain quality.  Then regularly test your grain to assure that your storage practices are working effectively.  EnviroLogix offers a complete line of mycotoxin tests for your testing needs.  Envirologix’ new Flex line of mycotoxin kits, which includes the market’s fastest DON test, provides fast, easy and accurate results to help you with your grain testing needs.

Monitor Your Crops for Aflatoxin During and After Harvest

Posted on by Brian Harris

When you notice mold on food, you throw it out. But what if the mold was invisible—or even worse, invisible and incredibly toxic? That is the case with aflatoxin, one of the most poisonous natural compounds on Earth.

Aflatoxins are compounds produced by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi; aflatoxin-producing molds can grow under a broad range of temperature and moisture conditions, as well as across numerous crops. It is thought that more recent extreme weather and drought cycles are increasing the prevalence of aflatoxins.

Although there are some regulations around aflatoxin testing, enforcement is not consistent, and in developing countries, non-existent. The threat to humans, livestock, and pets is real, with effects ranging from mild (headaches, vomiting, disorientation) to severe (carcinogenic effects, reproductive issues, encephalopathy). It also presents a threat to billions of dollars’ worth of international trade; most recently evidenced by the rejection of several vessels of Brazilian corn bound for international destinations which contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxin.

Typically, aflatoxin gains a foothold in a crop during the harvest season.  However, the real threat comes during storage. The combined conditions of heat and moisture can multiply the level of aflatoxin exponentially in improperly stored crops.

Understanding our customers’ needs to efficiently screen field crops for aflatoxin, EnviroLogix was first to present the industry with an affordable aflatoxin screening tool in 2003. We continued our leadership in mycotoxin testing with the introduction of quantification via QuickScan. And that ongoing commitment to innovation has led to our newest offering: USDA/GIPSA-Certified Aflatoxin Flex.

EnviroLogix’ Flex mycotoxin testing products offer wider ranges of results at the levels most important to you. Designed to meet the most recent USDA/GIPSA criteria, Flex kits deliver accurate results in often adverse environmental conditions. And utilizing the powerful QuickScan system, the Flex line leverages all the traceability and computing power that customers have come to rely on.

Read the full news release.

DON Flex Receives GIPSA Approval

Posted on by Brian Harris

EnviroLogix Inc. is pleased to announce that its newest mycotoxin kit, DON Flex (Cat. No. AQ-304-BG), has received a Certificate of Conformance from the USDA/GIPSA Rapid Test Kit Evaluation Program.

Overall, the Flex line of mycotoxin testing products will offer wider ranges of results at the levels most important to our customers.  The ability of Flex kits to deliver accurate results in often adverse environmental conditions ensures assay consistency and reliability in today’s global grain markets.  And by utilizing the classic and powerful QuickScan System, Flex will ensure continued delivery of accurate test results with all the traceability and computing power customers have come to rely on.

According to Susan Whipkey, Product Manager, “DON Flex was developed specifically to conform to GIPSA’s newest certification criteria, leveraging all the advantages of EnviroLogix’ Flex platform.  It offers simple sample prep and the ability to fine-tune quantification for a wide array of matrices, offering exquisite accuracy and precision with a two minute test time.”

EnviroLogix was the first company to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain.  Our focus on innovation and providing solutions in today’s identity-preservation and food-safety environments continues with the introduction of the Flex platform.

Alex Miller, Vice President, added, “In addition to our technology, we are committed to leading the industry in technical support for our partners, helping to resolve issues and address concerns of those involved in grain, feed, milling, and pet food.”

He continued, “The QuickScan System has proven to be the industry’s most versatile solution for grain handling needs.  The development of the Flex line of mycotoxin tests is just another example of EnviroLogix’ commitment to providing our customers simple, reliable and cost-effective solutions to their everyday challenges.”

 

 

New Flex Product Exceeds 2016 GIPSA Mycotoxin Specifications

Posted on by Brian Harris

The QuickTox testing solutions have been improved to exceed the new 2016 GIPSA mycotoxin specifications. The first Flex kit for mycotoxins is for T-2/HT-2 ; Aflatoxin, DON and Fumonisin will follow, and all are designed to work on the QuickScan system. For more information about T-2/HT-2, check out our knowledgebase.

Flex advantages over the original QuickTox mycotoxin kits:

• Accuracy – test accuracy is improved by eliminating adverse environmental effects
• Time savings – the majority of Flex test kits will feature shorter run times and fewer dilution steps
• Efficiency – test a wider variety of matrices utilizing the same QuickTox Strips
• Wider range – more accurate results across a broader range of test results

Paired with the proprietary software included in the QuickScan system, QuickTox strips quantify mycotoxins in the ranges most important to you.

The dependable QuickTox mycotoxin tests for QuickScan still offer:

• Ease of use – simple procedure, less “shaking,” fewer pipetting steps, and no drying step – read the strips wet!
• Quantification – A unique barcoding system containing lot-specific standard curve data ensures accurate and precise mycotoxin measurement while eliminating the need for calibrators or standards.
• Traceability – Instantaneous data and image storage onto a host PC (or network) means test results can be emailed, printed or analyzed for management decisions at any time.

EnviroLogix at IAOM

Posted on by Brian Harris

Grain milling professionals – visit us at the IAOM (the International Association of Operative Millers) Annual Conference and Expo from April 6-7. Stop by booth #731 and bring your questions about rapid mycotoxin and GMO testing. We can help you set up a testing program or make improvements to your existing program.

Enter to win!

Enter to win a QuickScan system. This next-generation technology enables grain customers to read GMO and mycotoxin test strips in one quantification and traceability system.

If you are a current QuickScan customer, you can enter the drawing too and win 5 mycotoxin testing kits of your choice OR 40 GMO corn comb tests.

About IAOM

According to event organizers, the IAOM Annual Conference & Expo is the premier educational event for grain milling and seed processing professionals. The annual event gathers milling and allied trade professionals from around the world for three days of education, networking and fellowship. Educational and technical programs presented at the conference assist millers in improving yields, productivity, customer satisfaction and safety. In addition, the annual conference also includes the world’s largest Expo for milling professionals.