3M Food Safety Introduces Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter

3M Food Safety has introduced a new, 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter. The product joins four other next generation assays (Salmonella, E. coli O157 (including H7), Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes) as part of the 3M Molecular Detection System pathogen testing platform. 

Cronobacter species, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, is composed of a group of bacteria that are naturally found in the environment and has been associated with contaminated powdered infant formula, causing severe and sometimes fatal infections in infants. Cronobacter has been shown to persist up to two years in powdered infant formula, and testing for Cronobacter in these products is required by the FDA, as well as in other countries.

Applicable to powdered infant formula with and without probiotics, raw materials used to manufacture powdered infant formula, infant cereals, and environmental samples, the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter delivers reliable results for samples between 10 and 300 grams in size and after as little as 18 hours of enrichment, saving two to four days during the testing process, resulting in a faster outcome, the company said.

The award-winning 3M Molecular Detection System platform is used by food processors, universities, governments and contract testing laboratories in more than 40 countries. It is powered by a combination of advanced technologies—isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection—to provide a pathogen testing solution that is fast, accurate, easy to use and affordable. For more information, contact the local 3M Food Safety representative or visit http://www.3M.com/foodsafety/MDA2.