Rapid Bacteria Tests From vermicon AG Optimises QC in Paulaner Brewery

The VIT-Bier product range of vermicon AG, for the detection of beer spoiling bacteria, is now being used by Paulaner Brauerei GmbH & Co. KG. The rapid tests from vermicon AG in Munich, means breweries can quickly and reliably detect beer contaminants. Peter Winter, Manager for Quality Assurance at Paulaner in Munich explains: "We apply the rapid test VIT-Bier for the detection of possible bacterial contamination of the yeast. Reliable results as to whether a bacterial contamination is present are available within two instead of seven days. This time saving makes our quality control even safer and more effective."

vermicon AG have made an agreement to supply VIT-Products to Paulaner and as they have already worked closely together in the development of VIT-Bier they have been able to provide a product that directly meets the needs of a brewery.

vermicon AG markets two rapid tests for beer: VIT-Bier plus L.brevis detects all beer spoiling lactic acid bacteria as well as the most frequently occurring beer contaminant Lactobacillus brevis. Particularly suspicious samples from the filling area can additionally be tested with VIT-Bier Megasphaera/Pectinatus for the presence of Megasphaera cerevisae and all bacteria of the genus Pectinatus. Both test kits can be applied with minimal handling in all stages of the brewing process.

The tests are based on the gene probe technology VIT (vermicon identification technology), developed by vermicon, which for the first time makes bacteria visible. vermicon has programmed gene probes and coupled them with fluorescent dye. The gene probes penetrate the bacteria and illuminate them. The significant advantages of the vermicon test kits in comparison to traditional detection methods are speed, certainty and specificity.