Chr. Hansen Fights Antibiotic Residues in Milk With New Test Kit

20 Mar 2014 --- A new test kit which can enable the rapid detection of antibiotic residues in milk, is now available from Chr. Hansen. The product, Betastar 4D, which is originally aimed at the Russian market, is designed to help farmers and dairies to check for antibiotic residues, which are known to ruin the fermentation process, cause allergic reactions and contribute to the build-up of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

While the product has been developed specifically for the Russian market, a spokesperson for the company told FoodIngredientsFirst that the new product is globally available through Chr. Hansen, except in China, Brazil, the USA, Canada and Mexico, at this current stage.

“We are proud to offer a product that promotes safe foods free of contaminants,” said Ole Madsen, Marketing Manager, Tests, Chr. Hansen. “Betastar 4D will support our growth in Russia, Belarus and Eastern Europe but also in some Western European countries. Antibiotic residues in milk are a global problem and Betastar 4D is launched on a global scale with a few exceptions. We know that countries as far as Latin America export milk powders to Russia, so here the new product will be relevant as well,” concluded Ole Madsen. 
Neighboring countries exporting milk to Russia will also benefit from Betastar 4D, which carries the official Russian GOST approval (state standard). As such it is officially approved for use in testing for antibiotics according to the maximum levels allowed in milk and dairy products in Russia.

The kit is also designed to be quick and easy to use, and no user intervention is required during the process. It also offers optimal sensitivity.