InstantLabs releases DNA test for Atlantic salmon, coho

InstantLabs, a molecular diagnostics device company, is expanding its SpeciesID product line by offering DNA-based tests for Atlantic and Coho salmon. The tests provide accurate DNA verification in under two hours.

The InstantLabs’ system gives food wholesalers, processors and inspectors a fast and reliable option for product identification tests, the company said in a release.

This is part of the Baltimore-based company's efforts to meet market demand by expanding its trademarked InstantID product line.

This adds to the company's product lineup, which already includes kits to identify Atlantic blue crab, pork and horse meat.

The two new products were created in partnership with the University of Guelph, an international leader in agricultural and food science.

The InstantID™ test kits for Atlantic (Salmo salar) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are the first of four salmon assays planned for release during 2015.

InstantLabs will launch InstantID for chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) salmon later this year.

The company expects to also release InstantID kits for snapper, catfish, grouper, and tilapia later.

“Producers, wholesalers and government entities needs robust tools to combat seafood fraud,” said Steven Guterman, chief executive officer of InstantLabs. “InstantLabs’ real-time PCR testing systems and reagent kits can become an integral part in a testing program to verify labeling accuracy.”

The identification tests are designed for use on the Hunter, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system developed by the company, and are also available for use with other PCR instruments.