Neogen's BetaStar(R) US Dairy Antibiotic Test Approved by FDA/NCIMS

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Neogen Corporation
(Nasdaq: NEOG) has received approval from the FDA and National Conference on
Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) for its quick and easy BetaStar(R)US test
for dairy antibiotics in milk. This approval allows milk producers and
processors in the United States to use Neogen's new test to comply with FDA
regulations that require the mandatory testing of milk for dairy antibiotics.
Neogen's newly approved BetaStar(R) US test detects dairy antibiotic
residues in the beta-lactam group (i.e., penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin,
cephapirin, cloxacillin, and penicillin G). BetaStar US is an extremely simple
dipstick test that requires only minimal training and equipment to produce
consistently accurate results.
"This approval process was very thorough, and proves that our new test is
fully capable of delivering the accurate results that milk producers and
processors demand," said Ed Bradley, Neogen's vice president for Food Safety.
"BetaStar US was designed specifically for our domestic market, and is a new
version of our BetaStar test that is a market leader in approximately 40
countries around the world."
BetaStar US is one of the fastest dairy antibiotic tests available, and
can be used on the farm, tanker, or in the laboratory. BetaStar US had
previously earned an important approval from the AOAC Research Institute
(AOAC-RI No. 030802) after rigorous testing.
Antibiotics have been used in cows for many years to treat such common
infections as mastitis. The past several years has seen increased pressure on
milk producers to increase milk production from each and every cow. This
pressure often results in more infections, and the increased use of
antibiotics to counter these infections. The beta-lactam group of antibiotics
is responsible for approximately 95% of all milk antibiotic contamination.
BetaStar US complements the comprehensive line of safety and quality
products Neogen's Food Safety Division offers the dairy industry, which also
includes: TetraStar(R), a dairy antibiotic test for tetracyclines; rapid milk
allergen tests that allow multipurpose production lines to be tested quickly
and reliably; rapid foodborne pathogen and indicator organism tests to ensure
product safety and quality; and an unequaled sanitation monitoring system.
Neogen's Animal Safety Division also offers the dairy industry a wide variety
of offerings, including a comprehensive line of hoof care and obstetrical
products.
Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and
animal safety. The company's Animal Safety Division markets a complete line of
diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, nutritional
supplements, disinfectants, and rodenticides. Neogen's Food Safety Division
markets dehydrated culture media, and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne
bacteria, natural toxins, genetic modifications, food allergens, drug
residues, plant diseases and sanitation concerns.
SOURCE Neogen Corporation

Ed Bradley, Vice President of Food Safety, or Rod Poland, Director of
Corporate Communications, both of Neogen Corporation, +1-517-372-9200