Integrin Advanced Biosystems press release 050505 Page 1
MEDIA RELEASE
May 05, 2005
Integrin mussels in on major government contract
Leading UK biotech company Integrin has taken over shellfish toxin monitoring in
Scotland, signing a three year deal with the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSA).
This is the first time monitoring has been done by a private company, with government
laboratories carrying out tests up until now.
Founded in 1999 and based at Barcaldine in Oban, Integrin carries out a range of testing,
research and consultancy services for the UK seafood industry.
A specialist in marine toxins, it provides the only accredited commercial seafood safety
service in the UK.
Integrin is the only UK-based company offering an accredited seafood testing service
using solely chemical methods.
"Integrin Advanced Biosystems Ltd has proven already to be a professional and helpful
organisation and we look forward to working with them on this programme in Scotland."
"Protecting public health is a key aim of the Agency and the ASP sample monitoring
programme has an extremely important role to play in reaching this goal," FSA Scotland
Lorna Murray said.
"As the awarding of the contract to Integrin represents both a significant departure from
previous practises for the Food Standards Agency as well as the ringing endorsement of
Integrin's professional approach and expertise," said Integrin CEO and founder Dr
Douglas McKenzie.
"This is a major feather in Integrin's cap.
"To my knowledge this is the first time that any European Government agency has
awarded responsibility for the management of shellfish toxin monitoring programmes to
an independent commercial company, rather than one of the Government research
laboratories.
"We are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to significantly expand our toxin
management operations.
"For the past 5 years we have been working in partnership with the UK's leading seafood
companies such as Sainsbury's, Loch Fyne Oysters, and the Scottish Shellfish
