Strategic Diagnostics Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with GeneScan Europe for the distribution of the Company's Soya Test Kits, used for the detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The agreement gives GeneScan the exclusive distribution rights
for the test kits within Germany and on a non-exclusive basis throughout the other EU countries excluding the United Kingdom.

GeneScan is a global participant in the field of molecular food testing. GeneScan provides qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified organisms, detection of pathogenic germs, plant species determination and animal species determination in food as well as advisory services. GeneScan Europe Incorporated is the result of a merger of four biotech companies in Germany, BIG Biotech GmbH, BioChip Technologies GmbH, GENESCAN GmbH and Hanse Analytik GmbH.

According to Hans-Bodo Hartmann, Vice President of GeneScan, "The addition of the Strategic
Diagnostics rapid test kit allows us to offer our customers the full range of GMO testing. We can offer the GMO Soya food kit for the quantitative determination of genetically modified organisms in raw agricultural commodity (soybeans), and food fractions (flour, protein concentrate etc.) We will continue to offer our PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay as the test for finished food product. We feel that there will be tremendous growth in this market, enhanced by this new product and service offering.''

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. SDI's Soya Test Kits have been recently validated by the J oint Research Centre's Food Products Unit of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, as a test for compliance with the GMO food labeling regulations within the EU member countries.

According to Richard C. Birkmeyer, President and CEO of SDI, "We believe the partnership between SDI and GeneScan is very beneficial for both companies. GeneScan will now be able to offer their customers the fastest, most cost-effective solution to facilitate compliance requirements with the GMO food labeling regulations within the EU member countries. Additionally the alliance with GeneScan also allows SDI to benefit from GeneScan's extensive sales force and strong customer contacts within the food processing industry and instantly gives us a strong presence in Europe's growing market for GMO food testing.''

SDI 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. SDI 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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