Charm Sciences, Inc., a global leader and pioneer in rapid food safety diagnostic testing, has received the 2017 Small Business Contractor of the Year Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The recognition is based on its five-year contract with the USDA-Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) for their official regulatory testing of aflatoxin and vomitoxin in grains.
The mycotoxin tests contracted by GIPSA are for the detection of aflatoxin and vomitoxin in grains. Mycotoxins are derived from mold (fungi) and can occur naturally at harvest due to adverse climate conditions or post-harvest due to improper storage. Aflatoxin is a known carcinogen and Vomitoxin (DON) causes feed refusal by animals and product quality issues in industries like flour milling and beer manufacturing. Tests contracted include: The Charm ROSA WET-S5 Aflatoxin Quantitative Test, the ROSA FAST Aflatoxin Quantitative Test and the ROSA DONQ2 Quantitative Test.
“Charm’s vertical integration allows for constant evolution of our products using the latest technologies, all of the equipment and reagents sold are made here in the U.S,” said Meikel Brewster, VP Sales. “Charm’s dedication to exceptional quality and customer service is second to none.”
Charm Science was established in 1978, when the company developed the first rapid antibiotic test. The U.S. dairy industry adapted the first Charm test and was thus able to prevent antibiotic contamination of milk. Today, 75% of all raw milk in the world is being tested on a Charm antibiotic test.