bioMérieux Receives AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested MethodsSM Certification for High Performance VIDAS® Easy SLM (Salmonella) Test

The AOAC Research Institute (RI), a subsidiary of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, granted Performance Tested MethodsSM certification to bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, for VIDAS® Easy SLM (Salmonella). The test is a rapid, automated solution that requires fewer steps than traditional methods for Salmonella testing. bioMérieux also submitted the VIDAS Easy SLM (Salmonella) to the recently launched AOAC RI Emergency Response Validation (ERV) program for Salmonella contamination in peanut butter.

“In hectic times of product contamination and recalls, we formed the ERV Program to rapidly evaluate and certify investigative methods,” said Scott G. Coates, managing director of AOAC Research Institute. “We are very pleased that bioMérieux has taken the next step in commitment to total quality by participating in the ERV program for Salmonella contamination in peanut butter.”

VIDAS Easy SLM (Salmonella) provides a simple solution for detection of Salmonella species in a variety of foods. VIDAS Easy SLM (Salmonella) is an assay test that reduces hands-on technician time, materials and provides a faster turn-around-time versus conventional methods. When selected and utilized as the preferred method, the VIDAS technology has been proven to detect the targeted pathogen.

“We are deeply saddened by the illnesses and deaths that have been associated with the recent Salmonella outbreaks,” said Herb Steward, executive vice president and general manager, bioMérieux North America. “bioMérieux has been pro-actively working with Food Industry experts, including the AOAC, to reinforce emergency response programs and to drive quality control and food safety initiatives.”

The ERV program is based on the Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program operated by the AOAC Research Institute. The ERV program takes advantage of the existing pool of PTMs and AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM. The ERV program is designed to evaluate these previously AOAC-approved methods for the specific contaminant and food type causing the crisis, in this case Salmonella species in peanut butter products.

About AOAC INTERNATIONAL

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, independent, not-for-profit association founded in 1884. AOAC serves the analytical sciences community by providing validated methods and technical standards that give confidence in analytical results.

About bioMérieux

Advancing Diagnostics to Improve Public Health

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for over 45 years, bioMérieux is present in 150 countries through 39 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2008, revenues reached €1.111 billion with 84% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) that determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cancer screening and monitoring and cardiovascular emergencies. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Code: BIM – Code ISIN: FR0010096479). Other information can be found at www.biomerieux.com.