Life Technologies announces equine DNA detection kit

Biotechnology company Life Technologies Corporation has introduced the RapidFinder Equine ID Kit to detect the presence of equine DNA extracted from meat samples.

Developed in conjunction with the Instituto de Medicina Genomica (IMEGEN), the kit is optimised for use in all Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR Instruments.

"As global leaders in food testing products we recognise the importance of public confidence in knowing that the meat on their plate is safe to eat and is exactly what it says on the label," said Nir Nimrodi, Life Technologies' vice president and general manager, animal health & food safety. "The RapidFinder Equine ID Kit is fast and accurate and will identify the presence of horse DNA from sample to result in the same day and will provide improved traceability and control within the food supply chain."

Life Technologies offers a full solution that includes a horse DNA quantification kit, which is recommended by the EU. The kit includes all the reagents required for 48 reactions. The detection limit is 0.01% (w/w) in fresh meat and includes a positive control consisting of 0.1% horse DNA. RapidFinder Quant Equine Set has a quantification limit: 0.05% (w/w) and includes the standard for quantification.

The RapidFinder Equine ID Kit is available immediately in Europe, Middle East & Africa and via Life Technologies distributors according to local regulatory requirements.

Along with customized PCR assays and reagents, Life Technologies also provides testing kits for other meat products such as pork, and the RapidFinder STEC Detection Workflow is described as a complete, validated screening system for E. coli O157:H7 and the six non-O157 STECs. This system has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) "Letter of No Objection" and is claimed to provide meat producers with a simple, accurate, and fast solution for efficiently responding to new screening regulations for these pathogens.