Microanalytics Announces Free Educational Webinar on TBP/TBA Odor Issue
Share:
Round Rock, TX (March 31, 2010) -Microanalytics(TM), a subsidiary of MOCON, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOCO), is conducting a free educational webinar at 10 a.m. (central daylight savings U.S.), Wednesday, April 14th, to address the TBP/TBA odorant issue. To register, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/205074018.)
The 30-minute webinar will detail the issue, discuss potential contamination/ migration scenarios, explain the chemistry and identify detection processes. Information presented will be of particular interest to companies marketing food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other products where off-odors are a concern. Participants also will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The chemical TBP (tribromophenol) and its by-product TBA (2,4,6-tribromoanisole) has come under fire recently as the source of a moldy or musty odor associated with nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The odors, having been absorbed by products ranging from over-the-counter pharmaceuticals to water bottles, have prompted product recalls. Fingers have been pointed to imported wood pallets as the source.
Although TBP has been banned in the United States, Europe and Canada, it is still being used in certain South American countries as a wood preservative to control fungi, pests, etc. During times of domestic wood supply shortages, TBP-treated pallets can end up in the distribution channel.
Because contamination can be instantaneous and can quickly spread to other pallets, truckloads and even physical plants, it is important that the problem be identified as quickly as possible to minimize financial impact and damage to brand equity.
As a respected leader in sensory analysis, Microanalytics has been actively working with brand owners to address TBP/TBA issues. The company's AromaTrax® GCMS-Olfactometry System combines state-of-the-art technology with the human nose to identify specific chemical odorants -down to parts per trillion or quadrillion.
Microanalytics was founded in 1992 and has a proven track record in solving quality control issues for a variety of products due to flavors, aromas and odors. The company is dedicated to the continued improvement of practical sensory analysis. For more information: www.offodor.com.
MOCON is a leading provider of instrumentation and consulting and laboratory services to medical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries worldwide. For more information: www.mocon.com.
