Dog Food Recalled Due to Potentially Unsafe Levels of Aflatoxin
Dog Food Recalled Due to Potentially Unsafe Levels of Aflatoxin
Dog Food Recalled Due to Potentially Unsafe Levels of Aflatoxin
The importance of screening food for toxins has been highlighted this month with the recent news that Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. have extended their product recall after reports that the pet food has potentially caused the deaths of 70 dogs due to containing possibly unsafe levels of aflatoxin.
The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement that it has been “aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food.”
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by two species of Aspergillus, a fungus which is especially found in areas with hot and humid climates. Aflatoxins have a wide occurrence in feed and cereals, such as wheat, barley, rice and corn, which are used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in animals.
Midwestern Pet Foods first announced a voluntary recall on Dec. 30, extending it last week. “There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with certain lots of products. No human illnesses have been reported,” the company said in a recall announcement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have expanded this recall to cover all corn products containing pet foods with expiration dates prior to 07/09/22.”
Aflatoxin poisoning can display in animals with symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhoea.
The expanded recall includes “additional corn-containing lot codes of Sportmix, Pro Pac Originals, Splash, Sportstrail, and Nunn Better dry dog and cat foods” that were produced in its Oklahoma manufacturing plant. A full list of recalled products can be found here.
Randox Food Diagnostics
Randox provide solutions to the agricultural industry by having developed a range of screening platforms for toxins and drug residues within feed and cereals. Multiple mycotoxins can affect crops and drug residues can pass through to feed causing adverse health effects in both humans and animals.
Myco 9 facilitates the detection of up to 9 common mycotoxins from a single sample of cereal or cereal based feed, including aflatoxin B1/B2, aflatoxin G1/G2, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, paxilline, T2 toxin & zearalenone.
For more information on the antibiotic screening arrays available contact us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
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23rd January 2021: 9 million tests on the National Testing Programme
23RD JANUARY 2021: THE 9 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 23rd January 2021, Randox reported its 9 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 9 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
12 January 2021: COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
Global diagnostics firm Randox is working in collaboration with Belfast International Airport, to provide quick and affordable tests for passengers.
A new walk in testing facility has been launched at the airport, providing rapid PCR tests for those who require a negative test before travelling on any essential journeys.
The newly formed service will provide passengers with a cost-effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport said:
“Many destinations now require passengers, who have to travel for essential reasons, to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival. It is essential that we are able to introduce these measures as testing will help protect travellers and staff, and provide an increased level of confidence for those travelling when current lockdown restrictions ease.
“In the long run it should help assist in the recovery of the aviation and travel sector, however it is only a start and we need more to be done in terms of both the vaccine and testing.”
“Swabs are administered by trained sample collection officers which decreases the likelihood of an inconclusive result. Tests are then conducted by Randox scientists at a state-of-the-art testing laboratory within easy reach of the airport, ensuring the price is kept to a minimum and the results can be turned around quickly.
“We already have a close working relationship with Randox and we are delighted to partner with them on this important development for the travel industry.”
The new COVID-19 facility on site at Belfast International Airport provides a convenient location for passengers right across Northern Ireland, with free onsite parking available. Passengers can receive their certified results next day, which if negative, allow them to travel to their required destination.
Sophie Boyd, Project Manager for the Randox Express COVID-19 Testing Service, said:
“We are proud to be working with Belfast International Airport to make COVID-19 testing accessible, affordable and reliable for all travellers who need to make essential trips.
“We have worked hard to ensure the PCR test is as easy as possible for passengers. People can simply visit the airport website to book a test at a date and time to suit. They can then arrive for their test and receive their results the next day via email.
“It’s great to be able to provide this service to the airport and help support them in getting people back in the air when they are able to do so.”
This new testing provision will strengthen the health measures already in place at the airport in line with the international campaign “Protecting each other” developed and promoted by VINCI Airports for all the airports in its network worldwide.
Based on hygiene recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this campaign helped improve the cleaning and disinfection protocols, physical distancing, staff protection and passenger communications since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 testing from Randox is available to book now and passengers will be able to attend a Randox Testing facility at the airport, or at a Randox Health Clinic in either Crumlin or Holywood. The price is £99.
To book a test with Randox please visit booking.randox.com
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7th January 2021: 8 million tests on the National Testing Programme
7TH JANUARY 2021: THE 8 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 7th January 2021, Randox reported its 8 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 8 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox extends Grand National Festival Sponsorship for a further five years
Randox extends Grand National Festival Sponsorship for a further five years
22 December 2020: Randox extends Grand National Festival Sponsorship for a further five years
Randox has reached agreement with The Jockey Club for a five-year extension to its sponsorship of the world’s greatest steeplechase, the Grand National, and the three-day Grand National Festival staged at Aintree Racecourse.
The new agreement will run from 2022-2026, following on from the existing five-year deal which runs until next year. This ten-year sponsorship will be the second-longest partnership in the history of the Grand National.
As well as retaining headline naming rights for the three-day Grand National Festival, Randox will continue to sponsor all three races over the iconic Grand National fences; the Randox Foxhunters Chase on Liverpool’s NHS Day, the Randox Topham Chase on Ladies Day, and the iconic Randox Grand National on Grand National Day itself.
As the largest healthcare diagnostics company from the UK and Ireland, Randox undertakes research, development, manufacture and distribution of innovative laboratory tests and analysers. In 2019 Randox manufactured more than 4 billion tests and was active in 145 countries. The company employs more than 2,000 staff, including more than 450 research scientists and engineers, with key facilities located in Co Antrim and Co Donegal.
Randox focuses on the provision of comprehensive, accurate and timely testing in order to identify risk to health, improve clinical diagnoses and promote preventative healthcare; aiming to achieve better healthcare outcomes whilst reducing the burden on clinical services.
In early 2020 Randox recognised the threat from COVID-19 and, based on almost 40 years of diagnostic experience, quickly developed a test to accurately identify the virus. Testing at scale commenced within weeks to support both the UK’s National Testing Programme and private clients.
In March 2020, the company was processing 150 COVID-19 tests a day, but through investment and the enormous effort of its staff, Randox has been able to boost its laboratory testing capacity to process 90,000 COVID-19 samples per day for the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, making it the most productive laboratory in the UK and Ireland, and amongst the largest in Europe. It anticipates this climbing to 100,000 daily tests.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald CBE, Founder and Managing Director of Randox, said:
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with The Jockey Club’s team at Aintree and look forward to another successful five years, when we are once again able to come together to celebrate the Randox Grand National.”
“This terrible pandemic has increased understanding of the importance of diagnostics and testing across our society. As a company founded with the ultimate aim of saving lives, we will work hard to convert that better understanding into the improvement of people’s health in the future.”
Noting how the Grand National will now be known as the Randox Grand National from 2021 with ‘Health’ being removed from the name, Dr. FitzGerald, adds:
“2020 has been a year of massive change and Randox has been at the forefront of countering the greatest pandemic to sweep these islands in 100 years. As a result, we are comfortable that our core company name is now synonymous with ‘health’ so are very happy to combine with Aintree to rebrand the world’s greatest steeplechase as, more succinctly, ‘the Randox Grand National’.
“We are excited for this new era of our partnership, of horse racing, and of society – in which COVID has taught us to appreciate the important things in life – our friends, our family, and our health. We very much look forward to the next five years.”
With around 9.5 million people tuning in each year in the UK through broadcast partners ITV, The Randox Grand National attracts one of the largest live TV audiences in sport. In 2017, ITV won a BAFTA for their exceptional coverage of the world’s greatest steeplechase. Worldwide the event attracts an estimated television audience of around 600 million.
Randox also continues as the Official Healthcare Partner of The Jockey Club. Founded in 1750 and today British Racing’s largest commercial group, The Jockey Club runs many of the sport’s most iconic assets which, as well as The Randox Grand National Festival, include the The Festival™ at Cheltenham, The Derby Festival at Epsom Downs and the National Stud, with all profits going back into the sport thanks to being a company incorporated by Royal Charter.
Dickon White, North West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, who runs Aintree, said:
“I am delighted that Randox has agreed to extend their sponsorship for the Grand National Festival for a further five years. It’s been a fantastic partnership over the past few years and we’ve been extremely impressed with their operation as well as their dedication to one of sports’ most iconic events.
“At a time when we are facing massive challenges in British racing, it is a tremendous boost to The Jockey Club, and a huge endorsement to the Grand National itself, that a new multi-year deal has been agreed with Randox.”
“The Randox Grand National continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to working closely with Dr FitzGerald and his talented and committed team in the coming years.”
For further information please contact: Amy Millar – PR Team Leader on Amy.Millar@randox.com
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Randox approved for COVID-19 test to release scheme
RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
21 December 2020: RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
Randox has been added to the Department of Health and Social Care’s list of private providers of coronavirus testing.
This includes the lists for both general testing and test to release, a scheme which is applicable to those in England who need to self-isolate on their return from international travel.
If after 5 days you take a test and receive a negative result, you can stop self-isolating.
To purchase your COVID-19 test kit for test to release, visit; https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit-2/
Please Note: The earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you left the country not on the travel corridor list. Individuals who do not opt into the Test to Release scheme will need to self-isolate until 10 full days have passed since they were last in a country not on the travel corridors list.
To opt into the scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
You must complete this form within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK and will require your booking reference number and name of the test provider.
To view the list of test and release testing providers, visit; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
It is important to keep up to date with government guidelines by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus to find out more.
For further information please contact covidcustomersupport@randox.com
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20th December 2020: 7 million tests on the National Testing Programme
20TH DECEMBER: THE 7 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on Sunday 20th December, Randox surpassed 7 million tests within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 7 million samples accessioned, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made in 2020.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
11 December 2020: Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
World-leading diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has today unveiled a new Mobile Laboratory Service which will offer rapid and reliable COVID-19 workplace testing.
The service from Randox, which is the largest COVID-19 testing provider in the UK and Ireland, and a partner in the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, uses gold standard PCR technology to generate results in 1 – 3 hours.
Each Mobile Laboratory will be capable of processing up to 1000 samples per day, to allow employers to uphold COVID safety within the workplace and maintain maximum output.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, said;
“As the nation continues to navigate the working challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of organisations will want to implement a COVID-19 testing regime so that they can sustain safe working environments.
“With this in mind we continue to expand our portfolio of bespoke testing products and services, and our latest addition, the Mobile Testing Laboratory, in conjunction with our work within the National Testing Programme, brings us one step closer to a timely return to a more normal society.”
As part of the Randox Mobile COVID-19 testing service, a team of healthcare professionals will collect the samples on site, and a Laboratory Technician will subsequently expedite the sample and reports the results.
The Mobile Laboratory is available across the UK from 14th December 2020.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“Since a new study by researchers at the University College London revealed that 86% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 did not have virus symptoms1, frequent screening of asymptomatic patients, is vital to identify any hotspots and limit further spread.
“Our Mobile COVID-19 Laboratory, which uses gold standard PCR technology and can visit the location of your choice for immediate service, will promote safe working practices, allow companies to demonstrate their commitment to their staff, and facilitate recovery of the UK economy.”
The Randox Mobile COVID-19 Laboratory comes fully staffed and stocked for testing, and is suitable for any and all industries – Construction, Aviation, Hospitality, Retail and more.
Find out more at https://www.randoxhealth.com/mobile-covid-19-testing-laboratory/
For further information please email mobiletesting@randox.com
References
1 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2020/oct/symptoms-covid-19-are-poor-marker-infection
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Randox plans to build new Covid-19 testing lab at Donegal site
04 December: Randox Laboratories plans to build new Covid-19 testing lab at Donegal site
Healthcare diagnostics company Randox has announced it plans to build a new Covid-19 testing laboratory at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe.
The company, a partner in the UK’s National Covid-19 Testing Programme, is expected to open the new lab in Donegal in early 2021.
The facilities will complement the already existing Covid labs at its County Antrim site, which has completed more than six million tests since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Randox Founder and Managing Director Dr Peter FitzGerald, commented;
“Our research and development facility at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe is already responsible for about 14% of our overall manufacturing and R&D work, and a lot of the technology we have developed there is fundamental to our work – not only for Covid-19 but for other health issues including Alzheimer’s disease, Chronic Kidney Disease and Stroke.
“Our new Covid-19 laboratory in Donegal is an exciting new capability which will, when complete, add significant capacity to Randox’s current Covid-19 testing programme.”
With its overall daily testing capacity having grown from just 150 tests a day in March this year, to 80,000 tests in December, Randox has taken on more than 750 new staff this year.
The company, which now conducts testing for passengers at Dublin Airport, hopes to create up to 50 new jobs at Randox Teoranta in support of the new Covid-19 laboratory.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“We are very lucky at Randox that we benefit from a strong talent pool of candidates across science, engineering and manufacturing, and those with experience in these areas have responded well to our call for support in the fight against Covid-19.
“We look forward to expanding our team at Randox Teoranta so that we may continue to retain and attract top scientific talent within Ireland.”
Randox Teoranta, based in Dungloe, County Donegal, was established in 2008, is a client company of Údarás na Gaeltachta, and currently employs 110 people.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing Testimonials: Randox Testing Services
24 November 2020
Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing Testimonials : How Randox Testing Services can help
With the widespread availability of drugs and alcohol, there is an increased risk of substance abuse in the workplace leading to huge ramifications for a business and its employees. Jeopardising the safety of not only the user, but also their co-workers and in some cases the general public, it affects the whole business environment and puts those present at serious risk of harm.
RTS work with a wide range of companies who seek to reduce the impact of substance use and its potential impact in the workplace.
Below are several testimonials from companies we have helped to implement a testing programme – whether that be a drug and alcohol testing programme using different sample types and testing protocols, or an education initiative educating employees on the dangers of substance misuse when in the workplace.
Read the testimonials below.
McLaughlin & Harvey
McLaughlin & Harvey have engaged Randox Testing Services for our Random, With-Cause & Post Incident Drugs & Alcohol employee and contractor screening throughout UK & Ireland since 2017.
We have found RTS to be professional, reliable and highly competent in support of our drugs & alcohol testing programme. RTS have provided excellent on-site testing, customer service and reliable laboratory results when required.
RTS have consistently performed within our service level agreement and I would have no hesitation in recommending them for drug & alcohol testing services.
MacFarlane Packaging
In 2018, I was tasked with trialling new providers for our Drug and Alcohol testing for our Group. It was apparent quite early on that compared to some of the other leading providers we also tested, that Randox Testing Services outshone the rest.
The service has always been personal to our needs and consistent, which assists us in managing our responsibilities with confidence.
Along with the Drug and Alcohol Testing we have recently acquired a sample of COVID 19 testing kits to trial and again the service has been prompt and efficient.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Randox Testing Services to others.
Titan Airways
Randox Testing Services has consistently provided an excellent reliable, service, which has enabled us to have the necessary flexibility within our unique operation, to continue to operate and provide assurances to our customers during these challenging times.
Our account manager is exceptionally obliging and has been available to answer any questions or concerns to ensure a rapid response, not only in the delivery of products, but also providing a link with technicians who process our results. This gives us the reassurances and confidence to meet commercial demands.
The general quality of service is excellent and Randox Testing Services always go over and above to ensure they deliver the finest high-quality service to us.
H&MV Engineering
We have used Randox Testing Services (RTS) for the past 2 years. We have found their service to be very professional and all queries are dealt with swiftly and with integrity.
We look forward to continuing or relationship with RTS over the coming years.
Graham Construction
Graham Construction are proud to be partnered with Randox Testing Services as their main drug and alcohol service provider.
Over the years they have given a consistent, prompt, efficient and professional service that delivered what was promised, when promised, to the proper agreed standards, which assists us in managing our relevant responsibilities with ease and confidence.
We would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.
Mabey Hire
Randox Testing Services have provided Mabey Hire with an exceptional service for workplace drug and alcohol testing for many years. You can speak to any member of the team from customer services, collection staff and your account manager who are always willing to help and are highly experienced. It’s great to know that you have the support you need when it’s needed.
We have found them to be reliable and deliver a prompt turnaround of clear and accurate reports. They have provided a service tailored to us and our drug and alcohol policy.
CAE Parc Aviation
We use Randox Testing Services for pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing for select clients.
We would happily recommend their services.
Yorwaste
Yorwaste first engaged with Randox Testing Services in 2015 to develop a post-incident, with-cause testing policy. RTS were instrumental in helping us developing a policy and introduce the process to the business. In addition, they offered management training to help develop the business’ understanding of what to look for and do in relation to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
We are currently looking at introducing pre-employment screening and, with RTS, exploring the benefits of this approach for our business.
We as a business would strongly recommend RTS in helping develop and deliver a robust approach to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
Contact Randox Testing Services
At Randox Testing Services it is our aim to help employers provide a safer workplace by reducing the dangers of drugs & alcohol. We work with companies to inform & educate on how illicit substances can have untold dangers to staff and impact the productivity of a business.
If you would like to find out more about our services, or any of the testimonials above, get in touch with us to arrange a consultation with one of our drug & alcohol testing experts, using any of the below methods.
Website: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
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