Life Technologies Corporation today announced the expansion of its global food safety portfolio with the worldwide distribution of the RT-qPCR assays for the detection of Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII, Hepatitis A, and the Mengovirus Extraction Control Kit by CEERAM (the European Centre for Expertise and Research on Microbial Agents). Available only in Europe, Middle East and Africa until now, the solutions will now reach the global market through Life's supply channels.

Human Norovirus is the most common cause for food-borne disease outbreaks in the U.S. It causes 800 deaths, around 21 million illnesses and 70,000 hospitalizations each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Globally, tens of millions of individuals contract Hepatitis A and Norovirus each year. Due to the nature of the virus, molecular techniques, such as RT-qPCR assays developed by CEERAM, are the most widely accepted detection method.

"As global leaders in food testing products, we recognize the importance of public confidence in food safety," said Nir Nimrodi, Life Technologies' Vice President and General Manager Animal Health & Food Safety. "This global distribution deal with CEERAM broadens Life Technologies' already extensive portfolio of pathogen food safety solutions with these virus detection kits, providing food regulatory bodies and food manufacturers with access to these high quality products."

CEERAM will be recognized by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) with a Food Safety Innovations Award during its annual meeting taking place at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., July 28-31. For more information on CEERAM's RT-qPCR assays for the detection of Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII, Hepatitis A, and the Mengovirus Extraction Control Kit, visit the Life Technologies booth (#524) during the conference.

"CEERAM is taking a great step forward for the distribution of its CEERAMToolsTM range of RT-qPCR kits with its partner Life Technologies," said Benoit Lebeau, CEO at CEERAM. "This will increase our market presence and ease access to new business opportunities."