A food and animal safety solutions company has received approval for a yeast and mold test for use in cannabis.
The Neogen Corporation today announced that it has received the Association of Agricultural Chemists’ (AOAC) Performance Tested Methods Certification for its Soleris Direct Yeast and Mold Test.
Certification from the AOAC’s Research Institute’s Emergency Response Validation Process validates the test for use in dried cannabis flowers.
From Food to Cannabis
AOAC has previously certified the Soleris test for the semi-quantitative detection of mold and yeast in food products such as dried fruit, corn flour, cocoa powder, dry pet food, nonfat dairy milk, and black pepper.
Fungal contamination can come from numerous sources in cannabis cultivation, including standing water, dead plant material, outside contamination, poor cleaning practices, improper airflow/purification, and improper drying and curing.
Health risks of consuming moldy cannabis can include airway constriction, coughing, vomiting, and nausea.
In some cases, the consumption of fungal-contaminated cannabis by immunocompromised individuals can potentially be fatal.
“Our Soleris Direst Yeast and Mold test is able to quickly and accurately detect potentially harmful microorganisms, solving one of the biggest issues within the cannabis industry,” says Neogen President and CEO John Adent. “We are pleased to receive this certification and be able to provide this valuable service to the cannabis industry, offering increased safety and security within the market.”
Marijuana and Microbiology
Neogen says that its automated rapid optical Soleris Next Generation test system detects microbial contamination by applying classic microbiology.
According to Neogen, the system measures microbial growth by monitoring pH and other biochemical reactions.
The reactions generate color change as microorganisms in the test environment grow and metabolize nutrients.
The system monitors the results and provides alerts for samples that fall outside of specified limits.
Neogen originally designed its Soleris test to rapidly detect yeast and mold in food, nutraceutical, personal care, and cosmetics products.
