The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded test method equivalency to the BAX® System from DuPont Qualicon for detecting Salmonella enteritidis in eggs.
Accuracy, precision and sensitivity of two BAX® System PCR assays – Salmonella and Salmonella 2 -- were determined equivalent to the reference culture method published in the FDA’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Moreover, results for both assays were available just 55 hours after sampling, instead of 7 or more days required by the culture method.
S. enteritidis, a foodborne pathogen most commonly associated with eggs, has been identified as the most frequent cause of Salmonella infection in Europe. In the United States, it’s responsible for 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths each year. FDA regulations introduced in 2010 require egg producers to implement preventive measures and monitor for S. enteritidis with frequent testing.
“This FDA equivalence is welcome news for egg producers who prefer the BAX® System’s speed, accuracy and ease of use,” said Doris Engesser, global leader, DuPont Qualicon. “Significantly shorter enrichment with this method means that eggs can be released days faster, reducing inventory and refrigerated storage costs while helping to prevent contaminated products from reaching the food supply.”
Food processing companies around the world rely on the BAX® system to detect pathogens or other organisms in raw ingredients, finished products and environmental samples. The automated system uses leading-edge technology, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, tableted reagents and optimized media to detect Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, Vibrio and more. With certifications and regulatory approvals in the Americas, Asia and Europe, the BAX® system is recognized globally as one of the most advanced pathogen testing systems available to food companies. DuPont Qualicon science-based systems for pathogen detection and microbial monitoring, together with Danisco Care4U™ range of natural food protection solutions, help companies protect their products, productivity and brands.