The first in a series of new test kits has been unveiled today to help food processors do their own diagnostics to determine if biotech ingredients are present in food products.

The high-tech test has been announced by Qualicon,Inc. -- a business unit of DuPont. The BAX(r) System PCR Assay for screening Qualitative GMO can indicate whether a sample of raw or processed soy or corn food, ingredient or crop contains a threshold level of genetically enhanced components.

Qualicon, making the announcement, says the test kit works by detecting the presence of the 35S promoter gene that is found in 95% of commercially available corn and soy.

The companion BAX(r) Systems PCR Assay for GMO Quantification can provide a precise determination of the percentage of genetically enhanced material contained in a samploe of soy-based food or ingredient.

In the past, similar BAX(r) System kits have been used for detecting pathogenic bacteria in food.

Unlike tests for proteins that can be broken down by heating or other food processing, the Qualicon test kits, according to company officials, look for specific DNA sequences that can be detected with equal ease in raw materials, ingredients, and finished products.

DuPont formed the Qualicon business unit in April, 1997. Additional company information can be found at their web site.

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