Biotecon and Merck in marketing alliance.

To enhance the worldwide launch of its innovative food safety testing systems, BIOTECON Diagnostics has formed a strategic marketing alliance with MERCK KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany). Merck KGaA sells the foodproof range, which has been available almost globally since 1 January 2008, and more new products are due to be launched during the year. Dr Kornelia Berghof-Jaeger, CEO, BIOTECON Diagnostics said: "In this alliance, Merck KGaA will contribute significantly through its expertise in microbiology and its excellent customer relationships. Jointly, we are able to fulfil our customers' needs by introducing this new technology to the food safety testing labs around the world."

The increasing use of rapid food safety testing is receiving more and more attention. The major reason for this key trend is that the food industry requires quick and accurate results. Traditional microbiological methods are relatively slow and sometimes inaccurate in comparison with innovative molecular biological techniques. Fast and reliable detection systems are, therefore, the method of choice. In particular, advanced real time PCR technology is increasingly being used in the rapid detection of food pathogens and spoilage micro-organisms. Under its foodproof brand, BIOTECON Diagnostics has developed real-time PCR detection kits for Enterobacteriaceae plus E. sakazakii (new), Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, E. coli O157, etc. The range also comprises a unique kit for the screening of beer spoilage organisms as well as GMO testing kits (www.bc-diagnostics.com).

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