Real-time PCR

Molecular diagnostics in food analysis

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Real-time PCR

PCR (short for polymerase chain reaction) is an important analysis method in food analysis as well as in medical diagnostics.

A real-time PCR test duplicates and analyzes specific DNA sequences. In food analysis, PCR tests are used in many applications, e.g. for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, for allergen identification, for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO) or for the identification of animal species. PCR tests offer many advantages: They are very specific, sensitive, robust, rapid, reliable and moreover, the tests can be automated.

  • Safe: specific and validated method
  • Reliable: quality-controlled test kits
  • User-friendly: easy-to-use, universal sample preparation
  • Effective: capable to multiplex and quantify
  • Versatile: many application areas
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Real-time PCR explained

The first step of all analysis is representative sampling and homogenization. After lysis of the organic cells of food tissue, the DNA will be prepared using different dedicated DNA or RNA preparation kits either for bacteria or viruses.

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Your way to automation

Discover the new walk-away solution: Semi-automated nucleic acid preparation for all food and feed samples with the TANBead Maelstrom™ 8 Autostage and the extraction kit SureFast® Mag PREP Food.

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The multiplex real-time PCR thermocycler

RIDA®CYCLER is a compact and easy-to-use real-time PCR cycler that allows fast and flexible analysis of your food & feed samples. The user-friendly software enables a fast analysis start of one or more tests simultaneously.

SureFood® PREP Basic and SureFood® Prep Advanced kits are used for solid food and feed from plant or meat origin. For beverages specific DNA preparation kits will be used depending on the matrix, whereas the new QuickGEN line allows a straight forward easy handling.

The modular system of DNA preparation and DNA detection can be used independently. Amplification of the target DNA requires in addition to the relevant kits the use of a suitable thermocycler with two (FAM/HEX) up to 4 (FAM/HEX/ROX/Cy5) detection channels.

Application areas for PCR in food testing

Real-time PCR Product Overview

Food allergies can cause severe immunological reactions. In order to protect customers, food products have to be tested for allergenic substances. We offer a wide range of PCR kits for the detection of allergens such as soya, hazelnut, peanut, gluten, almond, celery, sesame, mustard, fish or crustaceans. We also offer multiplex assays for the simultaneous detection of multiple allergens (peanut/hazelnut/walnut and celery/soya/mustard).

Species specification is of great interest: meat products can be falsified due to incorrect declaration (see horse meat scandal). Another application is the guarantee of religious dietary rules (halal, kosher). Our SureFood® Animal ID product line allows for sensitive testing for pork, beef, horse, donkey, chicken, turkey and other species. With the SureFood® Fish ID product line, we offer a wide range of PCR kits for the identification of fish species.

When producing beverages, the detection of beverage spoilers is crucial. With the GEN-IAL® product line, we offer a wide range of screening kits for the detection of spoilage organisms in beer and wine production, e.g. Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Megasphaera, Pectinatus, Dekkera bruxellensis or Oenococcus oeni. The test kits can be used for in-process control as well as for final product control.

In recent years, the worldwide production of genetically modified food has steadily increased. Since food products, which contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), must be labelled, the demand for sensitive test methods is increasing. Our SureFood® GMO product line allows for qualitative and quantitative detection of GMO – such as genetically modified maize, LibertyLink Rice or Roundup Ready Soya.

Detection of microbiological contamination is one of the main fields of application of PCR in food analysis. Our product line SureFast® detects a wide range of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria, Legionella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter), viruses (e.g. Norovirus, Hepatitis and Influenza) as well as spoilage yeast and bacteria.

Product portfolio

ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800

The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to …

Read more
Up to 48 samples ZMAL48
SureFast® Mag PREP Food

The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors …

Read more
96 preparations F1060
SureFood® Apricot

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S7007
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale) DNA sequences …

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100 reactions S3406
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of almond (Prunus dulcis), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), hazelnut (Corylus …

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100 reactions S3404
SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) DNA sequences in raw material.

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100 reactions S3622
SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut is a real-time PCR for the direct qualitative detection of specific beechnut (Fagus sylvatica) DNA sequences in food.

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100 reactions S3628
SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific insects (Insecta) DNA sequences.

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100 reactions S3626
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific pine nut (Pinus spp.) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S3624
SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) DNA sequences. For the quantitative determination the use of the laboratory reference …

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100 reactions S3620
TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800

The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to …

Read more
Up to 48 samples ZMAL48
SureFast® Mag PREP Food

The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors …

Read more
96 preparations F1060
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals is a real-time PCR test for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific wheat (Triticum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and rye (Secale cereale) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction contains an …

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100 reactions S7006
SureFood® Apricot

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S7007
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia / Brazil Nut / Pecan + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia/Brazil Nut/Pecan + IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia), brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and pecan (Carya …

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100 reactions S3403
SureFood® Oat

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of oat (Avena sativa) qualitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S7004
SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific white mustard (Sinapis alba), indian mustard (Brassica juncea) und black mustard (Brassica nigra) DNA sequences according to …

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100 reactions S3609
SureFood® ALLERGEN Lupin

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of lupin (Lupinus spp.) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the …

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100 reactions S3611
SureFood® ALLERGEN Celery

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of celery (Apium graveolens) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3605
SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific molluscs (mollusca) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 in food. The molluscs family contains 50,000 – …

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100 reactions S3613
SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific fish DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The group of fishes contains about 30000 species. Due to the large …

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100 reactions S3610
SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific crustaceans (Crustacea) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The crustacean family contains about 44,000 …

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100 reactions S3612
SureFood® ALLERGEN Sesame

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of sesame (Sesamum indicum) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3608
SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific walnut (Juglans regia and Juglans nigra) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination …

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100 reactions S3607
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pistachio (Pistacia vera) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3614
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pecan (Carya illinoinensis) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of …

Read more
100 reactions S3618
SureFood® ALLERGEN Peanut

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

Read more
100 reactions S3603
SureFood® ALLERGEN Macadamia

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the …

Read more
100 reactions S3616
SureFood® ALLERGEN Hazelnut

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of hazelnut (Glycine max) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

Read more
100 reactions S3602
SureFood® ALLERGEN Cashew

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the …

Read more
100 reactions S3615
SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination …

Read more
100 reactions S3617
SureFood® ALLERGEN Almond

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of almond (Prunus dulcis) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

Read more
100 reactions S3604
SureFood® ALLERGEN Soya

The real-time PCR test detects soya DNA (Glycine max) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the …

Read more
100 reactions S3601
SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific gluten-containing cereals (wheat such as spelt and khorasan wheat, rye, barley, oats) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) …

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100 reactions S3606
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific celery (Apium graveolens), mustard (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, Sinapis alba, …

Read more
100 reactions S3401
SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40

SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40 is a laboratory reference material developed for quantification in the range of 1 – 400 mg allergenic substance / kg food.

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1x 2 g S3301
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut / Hazelnut / Walnut + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut/Hazelnut/Walnut+IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Hazelnut (Corylus maxima) and Walnut (Juglans regia, Juglans nigra) DNA …

Read more
100 reactions S3402
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800

The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to …

Read more
Up to 48 samples ZMAL48
SureFast® Mag PREP Food

The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors …

Read more
96 preparations F1060
load more
ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800

The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to …

Read more
Up to 48 samples ZMAL48
SureFast® Mag PREP Food

The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors …

Read more
96 preparations F1060
load more