Thermo Fisher Scientific develops bute test
Its Food Safety Response Center’s (FSRC) method uses a two-step solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup protocol that is claimed to be faster than the manual liquid-liquid extraction procedures required by other methods.
It has been validated by Thermo Fisher FSRC scientists according to guidelines set by the EU, AOAC International and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Michal Godula, marketing manager, food safety and environmental applications for Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: "Lost in discussions of mislabeling and fraud is the fact that some horsemeat may contain chemicals that are toxic to humans, and our response, in the form of a new testing method, can rapidly detect 'bute' and help protect the food supply."
Phenylbutazone, or "bute," is a painkiller banned in any horse meat intended for human consumption.
