AOAC Extends Approval of Life Technologies’ Salmonella Detection Kit

The Applied Biosystems MicroSEQ Salmonella spp. Detection Kit from Life Technologies Corporation has received extended approval from the AOAC Research Institute for use on environmental surfaces at processing plants where food products are handled and packaged.  In addition to facilitating accurate detection of Salmonella in food samples, the validated PCR-based tool can now also provide a means for implementing effective measures to prevent contamination.

Previously approved for use with 11 different food sample types, including raw ground beef, chicken, shrimp, dry pet food, spinach and peanut butter, the MicroSEQ Salmonella spp. Detection Kit has now also received the AOAC’s Performance Tested Methods certification for use on surfaces such as stainless steel, plastic, ceramic tile, sealed concrete and rubber.

The Food Safety Modernization Act  passed by Congress on Dec. 21, 2010 calls for federal regulators to implement prevention-based controls, rather than responding to contaminations. “With U.S. legislation now focused on preventing outbreaks rather than simply detecting foodborne pathogens that cause them, our universal molecular solution enables food producers to proactively monitor their facilities before Salmonella contaminates their products,” says Nir Nimrodi, General Manager of the Animal and Food Safety Business for Life Technologies.

Last fall, the MicroSEQ Salmonella spp. Detection Kit also received AFNOR certification, affirming the test meets the organization’s stringent standards (EN ISO 16140) that are set for international markets. The kit is part of a complete pathogen detection workflow based on proven Applied Biosystems technology, and optimized for use with the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System.  The rapid test requires only small amounts of sample to ensure detection of Salmonella in less than 18 hours. It includes options for low and high-throughput sample preparation and streamlined data analysis software.