Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford Nanopore) and WeNou, announce a collaboration that will bring to market the first industry-accepted, simple and rapid test using nanopore sequencing to accurately determine critical adulterants and composition of food samples. Using an ?untargeted? approach, the collaboration will result in a single DNA sequencing-based analysis for identification of multiple species in a sample that is more cost effective and faster compared to current methods.

With fraud accounting for 5 - 25% of all globally reported food safety incidentsi, food manufacturers and retailers typically perform spot-tests on their raw materials to verify the safety of their food products. However, current analytical methods for spot-testing either require multiple targeted tests and/or large capital investment for testing. This partnership aims to develop and commercialise a validated, fit-for-purpose test using Oxford Nanopore-based sequencing to identify multiple species present in different food sample types, including unprocessed, highly processed or complex.

As experts in food authenticity testing with a track record for innovation, WeNou compared nanopore sequencing with the traditional sequencing workflow commonly used in the food industry. This preliminary work showed equivalent and highly reproducible results. In addition, turnaround time was faster when used for meat and fish identification across multiple retail food samples including canned, fresh, frozen and other.

The portability of nanopore sequencing created efficiencies through more decentralised sample testing. The collaboration will expand on the preliminary study by optimising the workflow using the latest sequencing chemistry from Oxford Nanopore. In addition, the ability to identify shellfish, plants, and insects from highly processed and complex food samples will be assessed in the collaboration.

After validation, the test will be suitable for service providers to obtain industry accreditation to assess food and feed authenticity.