The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC-RI) approved a method extension for the DuPont BAX System real-time PCR assay for Salmonella to include enrichment protocols using Actero Salmonella Enrichment Media from FoodChek Systems.
Morgan Wallace, DuPont Nutrition & Health senior microbiologist and validations leader for Diagnostics, said chocolate products have become a higher-priority food type for Salmonella testing, but are difficult to test with rapid molecular methods due to inhibitory properties.
“By combining the robust formulation of Actero media for enhanced Salmonella enrichment and the sensitivity of PCR processing and automated detection with the BAX System real-time PCR assay, this new AOAC-approved method for milk chocolate and chocolate liquor provides customers with an accurate, reliable testing method that can easily fit with a standard laboratory work flow.”
Actero Salmonella Enrichment Media reduces enrichment time for sample types such as pet food and environmental swabs by about seven to nine hours compared to standard enrichment media.
The BAX system provides automated testing for foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms and other microbes in raw ingredients, finished products and manufacturing environments.
It breaks down samples at genetic level using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then uses target-specific primers to automatically detect presence or absence of target bacterial DNA and provide yes-or-no results.
AOAC-RI validation also includes shortened protocols for dry pet food and environmental sponges.