The dsm-firmenich Ayr, Canada premix site recently acquired an AgraStrip® Pro WATEX® tester at the beginning of 2023 to monitor mycotoxins in incoming commodities.

We held a few discussions with Romer Labs to determine which options would work best for us.  Romer Labs was able to perform the validation activities and provide data from samples supplied by multiple of our production facilities.

The AgraStrip Pro WATEX test kits are lateral flow devices for the rapid, on-site detection of mycotoxins in a variety of agricultural commodities.

Both extraction and assay have been streamlined, reducing steps to a bare minimum making it easy to train new users and can be completed in minimal time.

Strips are available for total aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, total fumonisins (B1, B2, B3), and T-2/HT-2 toxins.

The reader system features a shared extraction and dilution procedure and an intuitive walk-away operation to allow simple testing for several different mycotoxins in less than 10 minutes.

The systems can independently and simultaneously test up to 4 samples and the reader controls timing, temperature, and flow.

With the integrated incubator and resistance to dust and dirt, the reader secures precise and quantitative results and allows consistent documentation.

One of our favorite aspects of the test kit is that the water-based extraction eliminates hazards both to the user and the environment as well as eliminate the need to store the types of chemicals that are typically used for these systems. The water-based extraction means no handling or disposal of organic solvents.

The mycotoxin kit allows monitoring of our commodities at the time of receipt of the actual load being delivered and the rapid-read ability allows for the test to be completed before the material is received into storage bins.

Previously, materials were monitored through the outsourced testing or provided by the vendor.  This system allows for us to ensure the sample is from the material being received and saves the time and cost of an external lab. 

Data is managed within the system and can be transferred to a PC and exported to LIMS for data trending and reporting.

The tester will be rolled out at other dsm-firmenich facilities later this year. 

For more information on the AgraStrip® Pro WATEX®: https://www.romerlabs.com/en/agrastrip-pro/

If you are interested in learning about this season’s mycotoxin trends: https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/mycotoxin-survey