Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) has released test kits to quickly and easily determine if corn has been genetically modified.

One of the new test kits will detect StarLink® corn, the brand not approved for human consumption that prompted numerous recalls when it found its way into food. The other detects this variety, as well as other genetically-modified varieties of corn.

"Genetic modification is an extremely hot topic right now, with the intense media coverage of the
StarLink brand reaching consumers,'' said James Herbert, Neogen's president. "Whether or not
members of the food industry agree that bioengineering presents any real health risk, consumer
concern is prompting the need for testing. Our tests provide simple, accurate tools to give the food industry and plant breeders the answers they need.''

StarLink corn was approved only for animal feed by the Environmental Protection Agency because of concerns that it could trigger allergic reactions. The maker of StarLink, Aventis CropScience, has stated that it has evidence that StarLink corn does not pose an allergic risk.

"Especially now, corn processors need to verify that the corn they are accepting for use in their
products is what they think it is,'' said Ed Bradley, Neogen's vice president of food safety sales and marketing. "Justified or not, the consequences of not knowing can be severe.''

The alternative to using an on-site rapid test, such as Neogen's, to detect genetic modification is
sending samples to an outside conventional laboratory. Such off-site testing is much more expensive than rapid testing, and can take days. Neogen's rapid test can provide results in as little as 10 minutes.

Neogen's new tests are Agri-Screen® for Cry9C, which detects the unique protein in StarLink corn, and Agri-Screen for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which detects Cry9C and other proteins used in genetic modification, Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac. Bt is a common soil bacterium, which produces proteins that are natural pesticides.

The new tests are in the same format as Neogen's popular and trusted tests to detect toxins in grain. Neogen has had a contract with the USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) every year since 1994 for the exclusive use of the company's test to monitor grain commodities, primarily corn, for aflatoxin.

The new genetic modification detection kits were developed by Neogen and Agdia, Inc., of Elkhart, Ind. Agdia has years of experience in development of rapid test kits to detect plant diseases and identify specific plant genetics. The company also successfully operates a plant testing laboratory to aid crop producers and plant breeders.

Neogen and Agdia entered into an agreement in June which enabled the two companies to use their respective strengths to quickly develop and market this new family of genetic detection diagnostic test kits. The two new test kits released today are the first results of the joint effort.

Neogen has built a reputation over the past 15 years as a world leader in the development of rapid
and easy-to-use diagnostic test kits to detect natural toxins, pesticide residues, and bacterial organisms in food and animal feed products. The company also has a well-developed marketing and distribution system to these industries.

Most of the use of genetic modification in commercially-available products has been aimed at
improved production traits. These characteristics include a resistance to insects, and crop tolerance to herbicides used to control weeds. It is estimated that perhaps as much as 50% of the corn and soybean production in the U.S. this year may be derived from genetically-modified seed. Genetic modification has allowed farmers to produce crops more efficiently and reduce the application of plant chemicals that could pose an environmental threat.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products and services dedicated to food and animal
safety. The Company's Food Safety Division markets diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, genetic modifications, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases and sanitation concerns. Neogen's Animal Safety Division markets a complete line of diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements and wound care products.

Company news release
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