LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Universal Detection Technology (www.udetection.com) (OTCBB:UNDT) (Frankfurt:PO8), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has received a purchase order from the United States Department of Agriculture for its Ricin detection equipment. The USDA plans to use the equipment to test waste seed mill from the production of biodiesel fuels for the presence of Ricin.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. Its responsibilities include enhancing agricultural trade, improving farm economies and quality of life in rural America, protecting the nation's food supply, improving the nation's nutrition, and protecting and enhancing the nation's natural resource base and environment. The USDA's expenditures are estimated at $95 billion in FY 2009.
Castor oil is the best substance for producing biodiesel because it is the only one that is soluble in alcohol, and does not require heat and the consequent energy requirement of other vegetable oils in transforming them into fuel. Biodiesel, chemically known as an esther, is the result of the reaction between any oily acid with ethyl (ethanol) or methyl (methanol) alcohol. In Europe and the United States, nearly two billion liters of biodiesel are consumed annually.
European and U.S. farmers have created national and international associations to promote this alternative fuel, which reduces urban air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the burning of fossil fuels.
Ricin is a toxin that can be made from the waste left over from processing castor beans. It is one of the most toxic and easily produced plant toxins. If injected, as little as 500 micrograms of ricin could be enough to kill an adult; some animal research indicates that similar amounts could be lethal, if inhaled. UNDT's Ricin detection equipment has been designed to detect trace amounts of Ricin in as little as 3 minutes.
"We are proud to announce the purchase order received from the USDA as we strive to make our products and technology available to all sectors of industry," said Mr. Jacques Tizabi, UNDT's Chief Executive Officer.
For more information please visit our website at www.udetection.com or
Email us at info@udetection.com.
About Universal Detection Technology
Universal Detection Technology is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bioterrorism detection devices. The Company on its own and with development partners is positioned to capitalize on opportunities related to Homeland Security. For example, the Company, in cooperation with NASA, has developed a bacterial spore detector that detects certain biohazard substances. The Company is also a reseller of handheld assays used for detection of five bioterrorism agents, radiation detection systems, and antimicrobial products. For more information, please visit www.udetection.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievement in the future to differ materially from forecasted results, performance, and achievement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations.
The Universal Detection Technology logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4911