NZ firm develops real-time meat contamination test

Veritide, a start-up based in Christchurch, NZ, reports that its technology presents a step up over conventional methods, which can take days to deliver results, and potentially saves on testing expenses.

Change of plans​

The company, before coming up with the new technology, had specialized in equipment detecting contaminants associated with bioterrorism—anthrax, ricin and the like. In an interview with FoodProductionDaily.com, Veritide chief executive Craig Tuffnell said the switch seemed a logical leap.

“The idea of detecting bacteria on meat had always been an idea that Veritide were considering​,” he said. “With powerHouse Ventures coming onboard as the lead investor and a new employee with skills and experience in detecting bacteria on meat, it didn't take a lot of imagination to realise the market for bacteria detection on meat was a far bigger market than where Veritide was heading​.”

In the process of developing the technology, Veritide has partnered with meat producer ANZCO. According to Tuffnell, the new employee with contamination detection in his background also had prior experience working with the producer.

Technology target​

Tuffnell said the new proprietary testing technology uses fluorescence at its core, which helps facilitate quick results: “The results are in real time and yes it is quite remarkable​,” he said.

The initial target is direct sales to meat processors; Tuffnell said the next likely step would be to a distribution model through food processing equipment manufacturing channels, or lab equipment channels.

Tuffnell said until Veritide gets deeper into its field tests and usability trials, the firm cannot announce its commercial launch date. However, in addition to attracting interest from investors, the technology recently was named a finalist in New Zealand’s Hi-Tech awards.

What lies ahead​

Tuffnell said Veritide is honing efforts surrounding development of the technology on two areas:

• Total viable organism quantification: to date, the test does not differentiate between species of bacteria; it is, however, a goal for future tests.
• Fecal contamination

The company also plans on working to attract more investors to raise additional capital.