Neogen to Distribute Colitag™

Neogen Corporation has signed a worldwide agreement with CPI International to distribute a breakthrough, recently EPA-approved water test. The patented Colitag™ system represents the next generation of tests to detect coliform bacteria, including E. coli, in water.

Unlike its predecessors, Colitag detects coliforms that have been weakened, but not killed, by inadequate water treatment efforts. These weakened coliforms may include microorganisms that are capable of causing human illness. Under the agreement, which took affect on June 30, Neogen holds the exclusive rights to food and beverage manufacturers within the United States and Canada, including the burgeoning bottled water market.

Industry estimates place the rapidly-growing worldwide rapid water testing market at about $100 million.

Colitag’s patented system of injured cell recovery resuscitates and detects chlorine-injured coliforms, including E. coli, that other tests can miss. Colitag allows the detection of E. coli by two methods (MUG and indole) simultaneously. The exclusive use of either method may miss certain strains.