BioControl Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the immediate availability of FLASH, a total protein visual test that rapidly detects protein residues (including potentially allergenic material) left on product contact surfaces after cleaning. When used regularly as part of an integrated HACCP program, FLASH can help minimize the risk of cross-contamination to allergen-free product, and reduce the opportunity for overall biological contamination. Each FLASH device has the ability to detect at two sensitivity levels (20 µg when tested at room temperature; 3 µg in high temperature incubation) making it easy for QA managers to manage risks and support rapid production change-overs.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP) at the University of Nebrasksa-Lincoln, there are eight major allergenic foods, referred to as the “Big 8”, which account for 90% of all food allergies in the United States. These foods are: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybean. They may be processed in common manufacturing plants, thereby creating the potential for cross-contamination.
“Proper verification of production environment sanitation, including minimizing potential allergen contamination is and will continue to be a key focus for food producers,” said Phil Feldsine, CEO of BioControl Systems. “FLASH is an important element of an effective HACCP program by providing a quick and simple means for verifying recently cleaned product contact surfaces are, in fact, free from protein residues.”
FLASH complements both allergen-specific testing, as well as ATP testing, making for a more comprehensive and flexible HACCP management program. Allergen specific testing is a more involved procedure that must be done in a laboratory environment, whereas FLASH can easily be used in a production setting. While ATP testing is an industry-standard solution for monitoring the efficiency of sanitation programs, the presence of ATP does not necessarily indicate the presence of protein residues.
FLASH is a quick and simple pass / fail test read by visual color interpretation. When used as part of a HACCP allergen management program, FLASH supports process verification to ensure cleaning methods, independently validated to effectively remove allergens, are consistently applied. FLASH is part of BioControl Systems’ HACCP & Hygiene Monitoring portfolio.
With over 30 years supplying food diagnostic solutions worldwide, BioControl is a leader in industrial microbiology testing solutions; providing high quality systems for rapid detection of food borne pathogens, hygiene monitoring, and quantitative measurement of microorganisms. For more information on FLASH or other BioControl solutions, visit us at www.biocontrolsys.com or call 800-245-0113 or 425-603-1123.
