A new BAX system assay from DuPont Qualicon uses real-time PCR to detect Staphylococcus aureus. As validated on powdered infant formula, the assay’s sensitivity can detect one viable cell in a gram of product. For quality testing in ground beef and soy protein isolates, threshold values can also be determined by modifying the sample preparation protocol. Results are comparable to traditional culture methods but available next day, with less than 90 minutes processing time. Food processors who require an AOAC-approved testing method can now use the BAX system assay for quick and reliable detection of S. aureus, a foodborne species that has been implicated in human illness. The automated system has been certified as Performance Tested Method No. 120701 by the AOAC Research Institute. It uses leading-edge technology, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, tableted reagents and optimized media, to also detect Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter sakazakii and Campylobacter. The BAX system has certification and regulatory approvals in the Americas, Asia and Europe.