PerkinElmer launches Melamine Analyser

PerkinElmer has announced a "complete analytical solution" for the food contamination crisis.

The health sciences and photonics leader intends to release the Melamine Analyser, which will be capable of determining melamine adulteration in protein-based foods.

Based on the innovative Clarus 600 T Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometre (GC/MS), the Melamine Analyser marks out PerkinElmer as the first in the industry to provide such solution using GC/MS technology.

Dr Richard Begley, president of PerkinElmer’s analytical sciences division, pointed out that the development is the first in a new series of complete application solutions designed to help laboratories analyse food safety and quality.

"PerkinElmer is putting significant effort behind developing solutions focused on the analysis, determination and monitoring of product safety and agricultural, food production and processing environments to test various aspects of safety and quality," he said.

Dr Begley added that the analyser is designed to give laboratories the technology, applications support, software and expertise to "quickly and easily begin analysing for melamine, thereby reducing the future risk of melamine-contaminated product entering the market."

Melamine is a nitrogen-rich industrial chemical whose presence in wheat gluten has been linked with renal failure in dogs and cats.

Earlier this month PerkinElmer provided testimony during the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety in Washington DC.