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Amulet, a company dedicated to improving food safety through innovative detection technology, has raised $5.8 million in a Series A funding round led by HealthX Ventures.

This financing will enable Amulet to expand its team, enhance its product offerings, and launch its portable food allergen sensors to a growing waitlist of consumers and businesses.

The round saw participation from investors such as Incite Ventures, AllerFund, Mendota Venture Capital, Great Oaks Venture Capital and individual backers such as Pinterest executive Julie Bornstein and investor Diede van Lamoen.

The funding comes at a time when food safety is under increasing scrutiny, particularly regarding allergens and contaminants that pose serious health risks.

Amulet’s flagship products include the Allergy Amulet, a wearable device designed for consumers to test for food allergens on the go, and Amulet Scientific, a commercial platform aimed at food industry stakeholders such as restaurants and suppliers.

These tools use rapid, on-site molecular detection technology to identify food allergens and other harmful substances.

“Amulet’s technology has the potential to improve the safety of our food systems and, by extension, the health and wellbeing of millions," said Abigail Barnes, founder and CEO of Amulet.

The company aims to address the critical need for transparency in the food supply chain, particularly as food allergies affect approximately 33 million Americans and an estimated 40 million who avoid gluten.

The funding will facilitate the scaling of Amulet’s operations, allowing for the recruitment of key personnel with extensive experience in product development and supply chain management.

Recent hires include Michelle Wu, head of product, and Jenny Barkly, VP of product, who bring experience in health technology and consumer goods.

In addition to its recent funding, Amulet has secured a second patent for its electrochemical food sensors, enhancing its capabilities for in-field detection.

The company’s commitment to food safety is further underscored by its recent designation as a benefit corporation, aligning its operational goals with broader social and environmental responsibilities.

The impact of Amulet’s technology is significant, particularly in light of the alarming statistics surrounding food allergies and contamination.

Food allergies can lead to emergency room visits every three minutes in the US, and allergen cross-contact in food service establishments is responsible for nearly half of fatal reactions. By providing real-time detection, Amulet aims to mitigate these risks for both consumers and food businesses.

Lisa Strovink of AllerFund added: “Amulet’s flexible technology addresses a growing problem in food safety, enhancing the quality of life for individuals managing food allergies and providing businesses with essential tools to prevent costly allergen-related incidents”.

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