Thermo's Nicolet Antaris FT-NIR Analyzer Achieves Rapid In-Process Analysis of Fat and Dry Matter in Cheese

MADISON, Wisconsin (November 28, 2005) - Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE: TMO) announces a new application for at-line quantitative analysis of fat and dry matter in cheese using its Nicolet(TM) Antaris(TM) FT-NIR analyzer. The application is illustrated in a newly released application note discussing the advantages of FT-NIR over traditional testing methods and is of particular interest to QA/QC scientists and engineers in the food and beverage industry, who currently rely on wet chemistry methods to test their production processes. Traditional cheese analysis procedures require a skilled operator running multiple samples in order to give an average number for each component under analysis. In addition, concentrated sulfuric acid is required and the sample material is destroyed so that the sampling methodology cannot be designated as truly representative of the whole. FT-NIR is an excellent non-destructive alternative to existing protocols used in the prediction of components like fat and dry matter in cheese, greatly reducing the amount of time, materials and labor involved in the process. FT-NIR is a fast, easy and accurate method, able to obtain data rapidly enough for the control of the process of raw materials and additives blending in melting pots, resulting in saving raw materials and sustaining a constant quality of products. In addition to replacing current methods for predicting fat content, FT-NIR testing can be further extended to other components such as moisture or protein. Thermo's Nicolet Antaris FT-NIR analyzer allows for the collection of a single spectrum in less than 60 seconds. This multivariate analysis technique allows the analyst to predict multiple components of cheese from the single spectrum. For more information about Thermo's Nicolet Antaris FT-NIR analyzer or to obtain a free copy of the new application note, please call +1 800-532-4752, e-mail analyze@thermo.com or visit www.thermo.com/nir Please send all leads from this editorial to: analyze@thermo.com About Molecular Spectroscopy Ideal for investigative analysis or quality control applications, spectroscopy systems from Thermo are used to determine the molecular composition of a wide range of complex samples including liquids, solids and gases. Supported by an expansive range of applications, techniques such as infrared, Raman, UV/Vis and fluorescence provide a molecular fingerprint for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. For more information, visit www.thermo.com/spectroscopy About Thermo Electron Corporation Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo's Life and Laboratory Sciences segment provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Thermo's Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications, including those associated with safety and homeland security. Based near Boston, Massachusetts, Thermo has revenues of approximately $2.7 billion, and employs approximately 11,000 people in 30 countries. For more information, visit www.thermo.com. For further press information please contact: Charlotte Culley, Marketing Director, The Scott Partnership, The Old Barn, Holly House Estate, Cranage, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9LT, United Kingdom Laura Welton/Charlotte Culley The Scott Partnership Phone: +44 (0) 1606 837787 E-mail: pr@scottmail.co.uk Carrie Mautz Thermo Electron Corporation Phone: +1 608 276 6196 E-mail: carrie.mautz@thermo.com