TOKU-E Expands Food Safety Testing Capabilities with High-Purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride
In a move aimed at supporting global food safety efforts, TOKU-E, a recognized leader in the production of small molecules, gene selectors, and fine chemicals, has announced the release of high-purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride for use in food safety testing workflows. The launch is expected to strengthen testing protocols in laboratories around the world that are responsible for monitoring the quality and safety of food products.
A Precision Tool for Food Safety Laboratories
Pirlimycin Hydrochloride, an antimicrobial agent originally developed for veterinary applications, plays a crucial role in detecting residues of veterinary drugs in animal-derived food products such as milk and meat. Its primary application has been in the treatment of bovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the udder commonly seen in dairy cows. The condition is caused by Gram-positive bacteria, and Pirlimycin acts as a bactericidal agent against these pathogens.
While it has long been used in veterinary medicine, the challenge with using Pirlimycin Hydrochloride in laboratory testing has been the inconsistent purity levels available on the market. Many commercial preparations contain a mixture of isomers and offer only around 50% purity, which is insufficient for use as a reliable reference standard in diagnostic testing.
TOKU-E’s new product addresses this issue head-on.
The Pirlimycin Hydrochloride on the market is a mixture of isomers with purity level around 50%, making it hard to be used as a reference material. We are able to reach at least 95% purity, making the diagnostic kits more reliable with fewer false positives,” said Amy Lee, Chief Scientific Officer of TOKU-E EU in Belgium.
Why Purity Matters in Food Safety Testing
In food safety laboratories, high-purity compounds are essential to ensure accurate and reproducible results, especially when it comes to testing for antibiotic residues. Even trace amounts of antibiotics in food can pose health risks to consumers, such as allergic reactions, toxicity, or the promotion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a growing concern worldwide. Regulatory agencies across the globe have thus set maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various veterinary drugs in food products.
Pirlimycin is one such drug under regulation, especially in the dairy industry. Ensuring that residues of Pirlimycin are below established thresholds is a critical part of ensuring consumer safety. With TOKU-E’s high-purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride, laboratories now have access to a more consistent and dependable reference material that enhances the accuracy of their qualitative and quantitative testing.
Compatibility Across Testing Methods
TOKU-E’s Pirlimycin Hydrochloride has been formulated to be compatible with a variety of residue detection platforms, including both immunoassays and chromatographic techniques such as LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry). These methods are widely used in laboratories that perform food safety analysis, especially in high-throughput service labs and commercial kit manufacturers.
The availability of a high-quality standard can also benefit the development and validation of new testing kits by diagnostic manufacturers, who require tightly controlled inputs to ensure product integrity.
Meeting Regulatory and Market Demands
The global food safety testing market continues to grow, driven by rising consumer awareness, more stringent government regulations, and increasing demand for high-quality food. The antibiotic residue testing segment in particular is gaining importance due to the public health implications of antibiotic overuse in agriculture.
In regions like the European Union, regulations governing antibiotic residues are particularly rigorous, with routine surveillance programs in place. Laboratories tasked with compliance testing must rely on dependable reagents to meet legal requirements and pass audits by food safety authorities.
TOKU-E’s solution supports these needs by providing a reagent that reduces variability in results and helps minimize the risk of false positives or false negatives, which can lead to unnecessary food waste, economic losses, or even public health risks.
A Strategic Step in TOKU-E’s Mission
For TOKU-E, the release of high-purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride is not just a product launch—it’s part of a broader mission to support scientific discovery and public health through the development of high-quality reagents and tools. Since its founding in 1981, the company has maintained a sharp focus on antimicrobials, gene selectors, and fine chemicals for use in research and diagnostics.
With operations across the United States, Europe, and Asia—and a growing global distribution network—TOKU-E is uniquely positioned to supply laboratories around the world with the materials they need to conduct high-integrity research and compliance testing.
We are excited to support the diagnostic labs that are involved in food safety testing and monitoring the quality and safety of our global food supply,” said Amy Lee.
Supporting a Safer Food Chain
The food supply chain is under increasing scrutiny, especially in light of growing global concerns about AMR, food fraud, and contamination. The introduction of high-purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride by TOKU-E comes at a time when traceability and accountability are becoming non-negotiable in food production.
By empowering labs with high-precision tools, TOKU-E is contributing to a safer and more transparent food system, ensuring that consumers receive products that are not only nutritious but also free from harmful residues.
About TOKU-E
Founded over four decades ago, TOKU-E has established itself as a trusted manufacturer of high-grade antimicrobials and fine chemicals used in life science research and diagnostics. The company’s products are designed to improve research efficiency, safety, and reliability, with applications ranging from microbial susceptibility testing to food safety analysis.
TOKU-E’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a solid reputation among academic institutions, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies. The company’s expanding product line supports the growing demands of laboratories worldwide, especially in areas where accuracy, purity, and compliance are critical.
As food safety testing evolves, so too must the tools and standards that support it. With its release of high-purity Pirlimycin Hydrochloride, TOKU-E is taking a significant step forward in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of diagnostic workflows in a high-stakes industry. This launch not only enhances the company’s offerings but also reinforces its role as a key player in global food safety and life sciences innovation.
