InstantLabs, a Baltimore-based molecular diagnostic device company, is launching a food safety blog on its website, www.instantlabs.com/blog. The blog will focus on issues related to food safety, micro and molecular biology, lab technique and other topics, according to the company.

“From our interactions with a wide range of food safety professionals, we know there are many questions that need to be answered. This forum gives participants a place to get deeper knowledge about the science of testing and discuss subjects surrounding critical food safety activities,” said Neil Sharma, InstantLabs' head of product development.

The blog's first posts respond to questions InstantLabs' employees have received about the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform, such as “What is PCR” and “Traditional Culture Methods or PCR: Which Is Right for You?” The company invites food industry professionals to visit the blog, read the posts, ask questions, and post comments.

InstantLabs developed the Hunter PCR® system, a fully-integrated, easy-to-use, portable and affordable real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) platform for rapid, accurate detection of common foodborne pathogens. The company has also developed food verification test kits for the detection of pork and horse meat.