Food safety test for detecting Listeria monocytogenes is validated

Laval, QC May 5, 2003 Warnex today announced that an independent evaluation validated its proprietary food safety test for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, becoming the second Warnex test to be granted Laboratory Procedure status by Health Canada in the Compendium of Methods.

Similar to the Salmonella test approved last month, the Listeria monocytogenes test uses Warnex’s Genevision technology. Today, 90% of all food safety testing is for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli O157. Warnex expects its E.coli O157 test to be validated in a series of Microbiological Methods Committee Evaluations (MMC) as well as other pathogens including E.coli spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.

The current annual worldwide market to test for food-borne pathogens is estimated to be C$5 billion, according to the company.

“Fundamental to effectively penetrating this attractive market, is the need to provide food producers with a quick and simple testing system that has the ability to simultaneously detect the full range of possible pathogens,” said Mark Busgang, president and CEO of Warnex.

Warnex has begun the preparations for a limited rollout of Genevision to select customers to expand its installation and logistical experience, prior to a broader rollout in the second half of 2003.

The Laboratory Procedure status was granted by the MMC, Health Canada, after thorough evaluation of the test and Genevision technology performed by the CFIA. The technology meets the rigorous statistical criteria set by the MMC.

A more detailed description of the test procedure can be found in Volume 3 of the Health Canada Compendium of Analytical Methods, or at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/mh-dm/mhe-dme/compendium/volume_3/e_index.html.