EMSL Analytical, Inc. Accepted into the Domestic Peanut Aflatoxin Program

EMSL Analytical, Inc. has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) and accepted into the Domestic Peanut Aflatoxin Program.  EMSL is proficient in analyzing peanut samples for aflatoxin by using an immunoaffinity column with direct fluorometry method (AOAC Official Method 991.31, A-G).

According to the USDA, “Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by the molds A. flavus and A. parasiticus. If present in sufficient amounts, they may cause acute toxicity and are known carcinogens for some animals. Peanuts, tree nuts, corn, and other small grains are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Peanuts are particularly susceptible to contamination during growth and storage. The aflatoxin producing molds exist throughout the peanut growing areas and may produce aflatoxin in peanuts when conditions are favorable to fungal growth.”

Currently, all peanuts intended for human consumption must be analyzed. Laboratories analyzing official samples of peanuts must be USDA or USDA-approved laboratories. The Peanut Aflatoxin Program is conducted by Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA by authority of 7 CFR Part 996 and the Memorandum of Understanding for aflatoxin testing of domestic peanuts between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA.

“The USDA certification for aflatoxin in peanuts is a hard-won and prestigious certification awarded to only a handful of private testing laboratories in the country,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL is proud to be a part of a program that is responsible for keeping our food supply safe.”

EMSL can also analyze multiple matrices for specific food allergens and uses sensitive ELISA based technology. For service questions, please contact Jay Rucker for expert information at 843-628-3132 or email jrucker@EMSL.com.

For more information about EMSL’s food testing division, please contact EMSL at 1-800-220-3675, info@EMSL.com, or visit www.foodtestinglab.com or www.emsl.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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