Cannabis and Hemp are Safer for Consumers with New Microbial Testing Method Validations

Chicago, IL, January 26, 2021 — As the cannabis and hemp industry grow exponentially, the need for consumer safety is now more important than ever. Supporting that need for product and consumer safety, bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, received approval from the AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested Methods℠ (PTM) for the detection of Salmonella and STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) contaminants in cannabis flower and whole hemp flower utilizing GENE-UP^® SLM2 (PTM 121802) and EHEC (PTM 121806) assays. These validations represent the first of its kind for the cannabis and hemp industry, providing AOAC validated detection methods for 1g and 10g samples.

The AOAC approvals demonstrate bioMérieux’s true commitment to consumer safety and public health by improving product safety and meeting the scientific needs in diverse industries. “We are especially proud that the GENE-UP SLM2 and EHEC are the first two AOAC approvals in the United States for cannabis and hemp,” said Dr. Stan Bailey, Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at bioMérieux, Inc. These approvals add to bioMérieux’s already vast AOAC approved portfolio across their pathogen and quality indicator suite of solutions, and demonstrates a long-standing commitment to robust, innovative, and validated science.

The new AOAC validations bring safety and quality to the cannabis and hemp industry as a result of the validation guidance developed though AOAC’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program microbial contaminates working group. “This is increasingly important with now over half the population of the US living in states that have approved cannabis for recreational use and most states approving cannabis for medical use.” said Bailey.

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a global standardization organization that validates analytical test methods. The AOAC Performance Tested Methods℠ designation is recognized by the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and global regulatory agencies. Visit AOAC’s website to learn more about their validation process and explore our resources to learn more about our suite of food safety and quality solutions for the cannabis and hemp industry.

About bioMérieux

Pioneering Diagnostics

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for more than 55 years, bioMérieux is present in 44 countries and serves more than 160 countries with the support of a large network of distributors. In 2019, revenues reached €2.7 billion, with over 90% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (systems, reagents, software and services) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are mainly used for diagnosing infectious diseases. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

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bioMérieux is listed on the Euronext Paris stock market
Symbol: BIM – ISIN Code: FR0013280286
Reuters: BIOX.PA/Bloomberg: BIM.FP

Contacts

bioMérieux Inc.:
Joy Dell'Aringa
224-213-1756
joy.dellaringa@biomerieux.com

bioMérieux Corporate Industry Head Office:
Olivia Seward
+33 (0) 668740207
olivia.seward@biomerieux.com

This communication is intended for a United States audience only.

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