Validation of 3M Salmonella Molecular Test Extended

3M Food Safety's Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Salmonella has earned a new extension from AFNOR Certification for its NF Validation. The new extension includes 375g samples of infant formula and infant cereals with or without probiotics, as well as dairy powders.

The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter had previously earned this validation in 2018 at the 300g sample size, meaning that producers are now able to use the 3M Molecular Detection System to test for both Salmonella and Cronobacter at the same time with the same samples.

“Salmonella and Cronobacter are two of the most significant pathogens for producers of infant food and dairy products,” said Carolina Riba, 3M global marketing manager. “This extended third-party approval ensures that producers have an internationally validated solution to test for both pathogens using the same sample, making the process easier and more efficient for technicians.”

The 3M Molecular Detection System, which last year became a primary method of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for the detection of both Salmonella and Listeria, is an award-winning technology that combines isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection. It provides an accurate reading in less than 24 hours – a significant improvement over traditional culture-based methods, the company said, adding that comparative research has shown that the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Salmonella can process a set of 96 samples 1.7 times faster than the closest competitive technology. In addition to streamlining the workflow, training is simplified, since all assays use the same lysis and amplification protocol.

The NF Validation certification process consists of scientific comparison of the testing method in question versus the NF EN ISO 6579 reference method. Multiple laboratories coordinate to compare the efficacy of both the new test method and reference method under reproducible and repeatable conditions. In February 2017, the method was first certified by AFNOR for detection of Salmonella spp. in food products as well as in samples from the food processing environment, excluding primary production samples. This validation was subsequently extended earlier this year to include primary production samples as well as animal feed and pet food. www.3M.com/InfantFormulaTesting.