MDS Analytical Technologies Announces Availability of New High-Throughput Method to Detect Melamine in Food

MDS Analytical Technologies, a leader in innovative solutions for drug discovery and life-sciences research, today announced that the Abraxis Melamine Detection Kit has been validated for use on MDS Analytical Technologies' SpectraMax® absorbance microplate readers with SoftMax® Pro 5 GxP analytical software, an industry-standard analysis software for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

This solution from MDS Analytical Technologies offers a cost-effective, high-throughput, quality-assurance solution to detect melamine contamination in such food products as milk, infant formula, pet food, and confectionery.

Melamine, an organic industrial polymer, has recently been found in various foods and, if undetected, may cause serious illness or death. This enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) solution will enable quality-assurance technicians in food-safety laboratories to easily detect the presence of melamine down to 10 parts per billion (ppb).

"Recent stories of melamine-related illnesses and deaths have made melamine contamination a serious concern," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "The pre-programmed melamine protocol in SoftMax Pro 5 GxP software, combined with our microplate readers, enables us to offer a more-complete high-throughput solution to better address what has become an increasingly important consumer safety issue."

This solution further enables MDS Analytical Technologies to expand its offering in applied markets. MDS Analytical Technologies also offers a mass spectrometry-based solution for food safety testing introduced earlier this year through its joint venture partnership with Applied Biosystems.

"The teams at both companies are excited to offer a cost-effective, highly sensitive quality-control solution for the detection of melamine," said Fernando M. Rubio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Abraxis LLC. "Our collaboration with MDS Analytical Technologies has provided the food industry throughout the world with an easy and affordable method to ensure foods have not been contaminated by melamine."

SpectraMax® microplate readers can be integrated with the MDS Analytical Technologies' StakMax® microplate handling system. Technicians may also configure the StakMax® system with MDS Analytical Technologies' AquaMax® 4000 microplate washer. These combinations can be used to maximize throughput while minimizing manual plate handling.

To download application notes on this method, please visit the article webpage.