Silliker Announces Opening of New Virology Laboratory in Cergy 95, France

Jan 20 2012 --- Silliker SAS, a subsidiary of Mérieux NutriSciences and a member of the global Silliker international network of food testing and consulting laboratories, has opened a new laboratory dedicated to virology at its Cergy-Pontoise location.

 

The presence of the viruses in food is a major emerging health concern. In a 2011 published report, the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, found food viruses had been at the origin of an increasing number of food borne illness (TIAC) episodes, (76 involving 2250 people).

 

Increasing contamination alerts received by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), upcoming changes in CODEX Alimentarius, and the future implementation of European standards for food viruses attest to the importance of establishing risk management programs for these contaminants.

 

“With the opening of our new virology laboratory, we are able to provide our customers with a unique and increasingly important service offer in the field of food safety and quality” said Sebastien Moulard, President of Silliker France.

 

Testing is available for matrices most commonly associated with food virus contamination, namely:

 

filter-feeding shellfish (oysters, scallops Jacques), raw vegetables (salads)), raw fruits (berries), handled products, environmental surfaces, water, spices and ingredients.

 

Silliker SAS analytical specializes in the detection, identification and quantification of Norovirus GI and GII and virus Hepatitis A employing methods based on RT-PCR. Consulting services, including risk assessments, crisis management, HACCP, and training programs to control viral risks are also provided.