Romer Labs expands mycotoxin testing with approved DON WATEX® Kit
The kit, featuring a water-based extraction method, enables accurate quantitative determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in both wheat and corn.
AUSTRIA – Romer Labs, an Austrian diagnostic solutions provider for food and feed safety, has received official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) approval for its AgraStrip® Pro Deoxynivalenol WATEX® test kit.
The kit, featuring a water-based extraction method, enables accurate quantitative determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in both wheat and corn.
DON, also known as vomitoxin, is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by certain Fusarium species, particularly F. graminearum. It commonly contaminates cereal crops like wheat, corn, barley, and oats, especially under cool, wet conditions.
The mycotoxin is a public health concern due to its potential for causing vomiting, nausea, and other adverse effects.
Approved wheat matrices for use with the test kit include whole grain wheat flour, wheat middlings, wheat red dog flour (2nd clear), and wheat screenings.
For corn, the approval covers dent or field corn, corn meal, corn flour, cracked corn, corn grits (polenta), and corn screenings.
Marking the company’s second approval in 2025, this milestone is a testament to Romer Labs’ dedication to providing high-quality and innovative diagnostic solutions.
“Our second USDA-FGIS approval in 2025, following the earlier approval of the AgraStrip® Pro Total Aflatoxins test kit – underscores our continued commitment to equipping the food and feed industry with cutting-edge tools to ensure product safety and quality,” said Kurt Brunner, Managing Director of Romer Labs.
The AgraStrip® Pro Deoxynivalenol WATEX® test kit was evaluated in conjunction with the AgraVision™ Pro reader, achieving outstanding accuracy (≥ 95%) in performance tests and meeting all test performance criteria under the “Design Criteria and Test Performance Specifications for Quantitative Deoxynivalenol (DON) Test Kits” (January 2023 version).
“Used together with our AgraVision™ Pro reader, the AgraStrip® Pro Deoxynivalenol WATEX® kit delivers reliable, on-site quantification of DON, enabling users to make quick and confident decisions,” he added.
AgraVisionTM Pro reader is a lateral flow device (LFD) reader equipped with a 7” display and an integrated incubator. With the use of the Romer Labs Data Manager, it offers straightforward connectivity and blockchain support.
It is designed specifically for compatibility with AgraStrip® Pro test kits used for detecting mycotoxins, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and allergens. The device measures the intensity of the test line on AgraStrip® Pro LFDs and boasts the capacity to simultaneously run up to 4 distinct tests, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.
Broader applications of the AgraStrip® Pro WATEX® platform
Aside from Deoxynivalenol, the AgraStrip® Pro WATEX® test kits are also available for the rapid and on-site detection and quantification of Total Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, Total Fumonisins (B1, B2, B3), Ochratoxin A, and T-2/HT-2 toxins.
These test kits utilize a water-based extraction method, eliminating the need for hazardous materials in the extraction process.
They have also earned USDA-FGIS approval, underscoring the platform’s reliability and versatility.
The streamlined and innovative AgraStrip® Pro WATEX processes deliver fast, accurate results, giving food and feed industry professionals the confidence they need to effectively manage their mycotoxin control programs.
Romerlabs company overview
Romer Labs is an innovative diagnostic solutions provider for food and feed safety, with a focus on mycotoxins, food allergens, GMOs, and microbial contaminants.
In addition to providing technical support for their customers for over 40 years now, they also operate six analytical services labs across three continents, ensuring that their customers have access to reliable and accurate testing services whenever and wherever they may need them.
Romer Labs is a company of dsm-firmenich.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
