Metrohm launches the 940 Professional IC Vario, the new high-performance ion chromatography system for research applications and routine use. The 940 Professional IC Vairo is Metrohm’s most versatile IC system yet.

Entirely modular by design, the 940 Professional IC Vario enables unlimited configuration possibilities and meets even the most challenging analytical requirements.

IDEXX announces that the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) has just granted NF Validation to the method Enterolert®-DW and Quanti-Tray® for the detection of enterococci in drinking water (Certificate Number IDX 33/03-10/13). This new validation makes Enterolert-DW the first and only method validated by AFNOR for the detection of enterococci bacteria in drinking water.

R-Biopharm has recently received a number of enquiries from customers asking about testing edible oils for mycotoxins.

Currently maximum levels are set for various mycotoxins including aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin and the Fusarium toxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins) /Commission Regulation (EC) No.1881/2006.

Raw nuts and even roasted nuts can be contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic, highly toxic to humans and farm animals. Therefore many countries have adopted regulations to limit exposure to aflatoxins.

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by different moulds or fungi, which can form on plants either during growth or whilst in storage. Various moulds of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium such as Penicillium verrucosum, are responsible for the production of the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA)  a known carcinogen, teratogen and nephrotoxin.

Soya products are becoming ever more popular and are increasingly used in the food industry. This can result in the unintentional cross-contamination of foods in the production process. Even small concentrations of soya can cause food allergies, which is why in many countries soya has to be labeled as an allergen.