A new testing device to detect nuts in food has received certification from the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC).
Ridascreen Fast Peanut, developed by food testing firm R-Biopharm, obtained Performance Method Status No 030404 last week, which allows the product to be distributed in the marketplace.
The certification contended that the product "has been validated and certified as an effective method for the detection of peanut proteins at levels as low as 5 ppm in a variety of foods including breakfast cereal, cookies, ice cream and milk chocolate".
The test kit features strips that are coated with specific antibodies that can detect peanut proteins.
In addition to the peanut assay, R-Biopharm also manufactures test kits for egg, gluten, hazelnut, almond â-Lactoglobulin, soy and histamine.
The company is also the worldwide distributor for the Boehringer Mannheim Roche enzymatic tests as well as PCR-based tests for the detection of GMOs, allergens and meat speciation.
R-Biopharm is a member of the R-Biopharm Group with headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.
AOAC International is a global provider and facilitator in the development, use and harmonisation of analytical quality assurance programmes. International laboratory accreditation is a requirement for participation in the global marketplace, and the AOAC is a leading light in developing criteria for accreditation.