Grenoble, France, October 12 2004 — GENOME express, the DNA analysis specialist, announces today "Gextrack", a new range of services in the field of food identification. The launch coincides with the International Food Exhibition, SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation), October 17-21 in Paris. In bringing Gextrack to market, GENOME express has leveraged its expertise in molecular biology to provide the food industry with an answer to complying with European regulations on traceability, monitoring and conformity of products.Gextrack is based on the analysis of DNA and uses patents from academic laboratories based in Lyon (CNRS, UCBL, ENS). The DNA molecule has the great advantage of being unique for each individual living organism and species. It also resists changes through the different stages of transformation of a product. These include mixture, cooking, freezing and canning. Analysis of the DNA therefore allows precise identification and analysis of the different components present in a food product, whether it is a fresh or a processed product.
Gextrack can provide solutions for the different consumer information regulations requiring product labelling such as GMOs, allergenic ingredients traceability, authentication of products. These include:
— Authentication of the product (example: Is this fish fillet really sole?) — Analysis of food product ingredients (example: Does this duck foie gras only contain duck?)
— Detection of allergens (example: Are there traces of nuts in this cereal bar?)
— Monitoring feed ingredients (example: This feed does not contain any products of animal origin)
— Detection of GM ingredients
— The presence or absence of an ingredient in a processed product (example: This dish does not contain any pork)
"Gextrack will be of enormous value to the agri-food industry and large distribution chains," says Franck Robert, Head of the Gextrack project at GENOME express. "At GENOME express, we say we can make DNA 'talk' and Gextrack shows how it is possible to use the genetic code, unique for each individual organism, whether it's of animal or vegetable origin, to distinguish, identify and analyse the different species present in a food product, whether it is in its raw state or processed."
"GENOME express now has ten years' experience as a DNA specialist and is the leading private DNA sequencing specialist for research. This unique experience of DNA analysis allows us to offer this new range of service," says Warren Barton, GENOME express' CEO. "Gextrack's main targets are the agri-food industry and food retailers, but can also provide an effective solution for any sector with a need for DNA identification."
Visit GENOME express at SIAL in Paris (Villepinte) October 17-21
Hall 5A Stand F 046
About GENOME express
In business since 1994, GENOME express specializes in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. DNA contains the genetic code of living species and contains the key to understanding living organisms. GENOME express offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies and an optimised process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform. Using its DNA sequencing core business expertise, GENOME express has developed services and high value added solutions that allow its customers to interpret the generated data quickly and efficiently.
Analysis and identification services include:
GENOME express also offers custom solutions including an R&D outsourcing facility covering molecular biology and bioinformatics, such as genomic exploration and identification of new markers, Š
To assist customers in conforming to European regulatory directives, GENOME express provides a range of services dedicated to identifying the content and origin of food through DNA analysis. These services include the detection of allergenic ingredients or other contaminants (GMOs, Š), and address the needs of the food industry.
For further information: www.genome-express.com
Source: Genome Express
