Zearalenone Test Reagents for Food Safety Applications

Creative Diagnostics, a leading manufacturer and supplier of antibodies, small molecule conjugates and critical assay reagents for the analysis of food, feed, environmental and toxicological samples, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Zearalenone Test Reagents for accurate and reliable detection of Zearalenone, empowering researchers, food safety professionals, and regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of food supplies worldwide.

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by various species of fungi, mainly belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Mycotoxins typically enter the food chain through contaminated food and feed crops, primarily cereals. Mycotoxins in food and feed can cause serious acute and chronic health effects in humans and animals. Therefore, the analysis of mycotoxins in food and feed is necessary and often required by law.

Zearalenone (ZEN), also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxins, is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced primarily by Fusarium, which also typically produces deoxynivalenol. Therefore, there is evidence that if zearalenone is detected, there is a high probability that other Fusarium mycotoxins are present. There are several Fusarium species that produce toxins of major concern to livestock and poultry producers; these are deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and zearalenone. Zearalenone is the primary toxin that can cause sterility, abortion, or other reproductive problems, particularly in swine.

Zearalenone is heat stable and is found in many cereal crops around the world, including corn, barley, oats, wheat, rice, sorghum and bread. When livestock consume feed or grain contaminated with zearalenone, a variety of reproductive problems can occur. In swine, ZEN causes vulvovaginitis, low birth weight, fetal resorption, abortion, reduced litter size, abnormal estrus, and immature male feminization. The association of zearalenone with human toxicity has not been confirmed, but it is classified as an endocrine disruptor and is considered potentially harmful to humans. There are no recommended levels, but the FDA recommends monitoring zearalenone levels of concern.

Creative Diagnostics has released a series of Zearalenone Test Reagents for the analysis of zearalenone, including antibodies, conjugates and standards. These new reagents, e.g., Zearalenon Immunoaffinity Column, Zearalenone Standard (97%), RHA™ anti-Zearalenone monoclonal antibody, can offer a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting and quantifying zearalenone in food samples, ideal for use in food safety laboratories, research institutions, and regulatory agencies.

Creative Diagnostics is committed to providing innovative tools that meet the evolving needs of the food industry and will continue to offer food safety professionals and researchers more reliable and sensitive solutions for monitoring mycotoxins in food samples. For more information about the company’s test products and comprehensive portfolio of food safety solutions, please visit https://www.creative-diagnostics.com/food-analysis/tag-zearalenone-40.htm.

About Creative Diagnostics

Creative Diagnostics is a leading manufacturer and supplier of antibodies, small molecule conjugates and critical assay reagents for the analysis of food, feed, environmental and toxicological samples. Its product portfolio covers a wide range of analytes including mycotoxins, drug residues, pesticides, contaminants, food allergens, food pathogens and vitamins. The company also assists customers in the rapid development, manufacture and commercialization of small molecule antigens, antibodies and food safety lateral flow strips for any market segment.