neog should update and re-issue this old PR and maybe add something about the size of the market for investors?
NEOGEN COMBATS LISTERIA PROBLEM - PR
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PR Newswire
Jun 01, 9:06 am (1999)
LANSING, Mich., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Neogen said today it has the products to help solve the lethal Listeria problems facing manufacturers, as outlined last week by the USDA in the Federal Register.
In its notice published in the Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advised manufacturers of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that they have 60 days to comment on its plan to step-up regulations to combat deadly Listeria. In one recent outbreak alone, Listeria- contaminated product has been linked to 100 illnesses in 22 states, as well as 15 deaths and six miscarriages. More than 65 million pounds of meat have been recalled since the beginning of the year due to Listeria contamination.
Neogen's REVEAL for Listeria Test System can detect Listeria species, including the dangerous L. monocytogenes, in as little as 43 hours -- a critical time savings for producers over conventional methodology, which can take up to a week to produce results. The rapid system has extremely high correlation with conventional methods, and is "Performance Tested" by the AOAC-RI.
Neogen's test kit helps satisfy USDA's strategy to control Listeria, as outlined to manufacturers in its notice:
* Facility environmental testing for general Listeria species;
* Product contact surface testing for general Listeria species;
* End-product testing for the pathogenic member of the species,
Listeria monocytogenes.
The increased testing is to be implemented through a processor's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) program. HACCP is a prevention-oriented system that requires plants to identify critical points along their production lines and ensure that practices at those points minimize or prevent the likelihood of bacterial contamination or growth.
"With its notice publication, the USDA has clearly identified Listeria as a hazard in food products," said James Herbert, Neogen's president. "This is important, especially now with the start of the traditional picnic season upon us, when the demand for these food products greatly increases.
"Food processors do not feel intimidated by this notice," Herbert continued. "There are test products such as ours that are easy to use and inexpensive that will satisfy the points outlined in the notice -- and protect their consumers and bottom lines."
Neogen's food safety solutions are specifically designed to minimize user time and maximize convenience. Neogen's line of REVEAL microbial tests also includes tests for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella which yield results in a fraction of the time required of conventional laboratory methodology. The rapid test for E. coli O157:H7 requires only 8 hours from start to result -- the quickest in the market. Similarly, the Company's rapid sanitation testing system delivers a measurement of the cleanliness of a surface in only seconds, and is easy to use.
Food processors with questions concerning rapid testing for Listeria, or how to incorporate microbial testing into their HACCP plans, can call Neogen toll-free at 800-234-5333.
Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) is a Lansing, Mich.-based company that develops and markets products and services dedicated to food and animal safety. The Company's diagnostic products are used by food and animal producers to test for foodborne bacteria, food allergens, natural toxins, drug and chemical residues, plant diseases and quality assurance.
SOURCE Neogen Corporation |
