NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – 3M Food Safety announced that its 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Listeria monocytogenes has received AOAC Performance Tested Methods validation.
The Certification 081501 attests that the kit is equivalent to or better than standard reference methods of detection of the bacteria, a common food-borne pathogen. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Listeria food poisoning affects 1,600 people in the US every year and it is the third-leading cause of death from food poisoning.
The 3M Molecular Detection System is based on isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection technologies and is designed for food processors' needs for a real-time pathogen detection platform.
The Listeria monocytogenes assay is one of two assays developed for the detection system, which runs a new, faster lysis chemistry. In a statement, 3M said that the new assay is 30 percent faster than the first-generation assay and offers next-day results.
Food samples analyzed during the validation study included beef hot dogs, queso fresco, vanilla ice cream, cottage cheese, chocolate milk, romaine lettuce, bagged raw spinach, cold smoked salmon, deli turkey, raw chicken, and cantaloupe. The test was also used to detect the bacteria on plastic, concrete, and stainless steel surfaces.
AOAC Research Institute is a non-profit testing company that develops global standards.
In July, AOAC approved NeoGen's Listeria assay for food and environmental samples.