Silliker Food Science Center Launches New Microbial Identification Program

HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Elusive or hard-to-identify microorganisms are a leading cause of product spoilage and contamination in the food industry. Through its new “Microbial Identification Program,” the Silliker Food Science Center can provide companies with accurate and reliable source tracking services utilizing two state-of-the-art technologies: gene sequencing and molecular subtyping by rep-PCR.

Recognized industry-wide as the “gold standard in culture identification,” gene sequencing analyzes the ribosomal RNA-encoding genes of microorganisms. Utilized for the identification of bacteria, yeasts and molds, gene sequencing eliminates the need for subjective interpretations that are common in many conventional methods.

To identify isolates to their closest genetic relative, the Food Science Center employs a comprehensive database containing over 1,700 known bacteria and 1,000 fungi.

For bacterial isolates, including Salmonella, Escherichia and Listeria, rep-PCR is a reliable tool for strain differentiation and comparison. This DNA-based method uses repetitive-element PCR to “fingerprint” genetic sequences of samples. Increasingly, food plants are turning to this cutting-edge technology to identify, track, and control contaminants in the processing environment.

“From faster turnaround to improved accuracy, our ID services offer companies a wealth of advantages,” said Silliker FSC Molecular Biologist Sarita Raengpradub. “In our time-crunched business world, this translates into heightened product confidence.”

To learn more about the Food Science Center’s Microbial Identification Program, call 708/ 225-1435.