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Strategic Diagnostics Inc. announces validation of soya food testing kit for GMOs
Newark, Delaware
April 1, 1999

Strategic Diagnostics Inc. today announced that its Soya Test Kits, used for the detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), have been validated as a test for compliance with the recently instated GMO food labeling regulations within the EU member countries.

In March 1999, the European Commission passed food labeling regulations stemming from public
concern about foods derived from genetically modified seeds. To enable consumer choice in
selecting food products, the European Commission now requires all food companies to label
products containing foods derived from GMO sources.

According to Richard C. Birkmeyer, President and CEO of SDI, ``The European Commission's
validation of our test allows SDI to offer the fastest, most cost-effective solution to facilitate
compliance requirements impacting the 22,000 food processors selling into the EU. Shipments of
our new kit began in the first quarter and we expect volumes to grow throughout 1999.''

Statistical Analysis

The Food Products Unit of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), together
with the Reference Material Unit of the Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), both belonging to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, validated this
protein-based test. It was validated using an IRMM Certified Reference Material and detects
Monsanto's CP4 EPSPS Protein expressed in Roundup Ready® Soybeans.

The results of the validation were published recently by IHCP. The table below summarizes the
results in terms of samples classified as positive (equal or greater than the arbitrary threshold of
2%) and samples classified as negative (below the arbitrary threshold of 2%).

% GMO in sample

Samples classified as positive

Samples classified as negative

% of wrong
  classification (a)

0

0

148 0

0.5

0

148 0

1

8

147 5.4

2

140

1 0.7

(a) Statistical data interpretation revealed that with 99% confidence any sample scoring as negative contains less than 2% GMO and any positive sample contains at least 0.85% GMO. (Source of data: JRC-IHCP)

This data shows that the test was highly accurate.

Strategic Diagnostics is a leading provider of biotechnology-based diagnostic tests for a broad range of agricultural, industrial and water-treatment applications. Through its TSD BioServices subsidiary, Strategic Diagnostics also provides antibody and immunoreagent research and development services. Strategic Diagnostics' test kits are produced in a variety of formats suitable for field and laboratory use, offering advantages of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, portability, and rapid response. GMO Check (tm) is a pending trademark for SDI.

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