DuPont Qualicon and USDA to Collaborate on New Test for <EM>E. coli</EM>

WILMINGTON, Del. — DuPont Qualicon will collaborate with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) at Clay Center, Neb., on developing a new test for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in beef and trim. After responding to an ARS request for proposals on collaboration, DuPont Qualicon and USMARC entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA).

USMARC is operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the chief scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Our mission is to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep and swine industries," said Mohammad Koohmaraie, USMARC director. "In the case of E. coli O157:H7 detection, we're looking at collaborative ways to quickly develop a new test."

“We are very pleased to be working with Dr. Koohmaraie and his team of experts at USMARC,” said Ravi Ramadhar, business development director for DuPont Qualicon. “Our long history of commitment to the meat industry with applications of the best science available fits well with USMARC goals for a better E. coli O157:H7 test.”