DuPont Unit Releases 8-Hour Listeria Field Test
DuPont Qualicon released a new, genetic-based test Nov. 26 that allows food companies to detect Listeria on environmental surfaces in only eight hours, according to the company, which says the new assay "is the first commercial application of Reverse-Transcriptase PCR for bacterial testing in food." It is part of a suite of BAX(R) system products.
"This flexible test can give food companies clear, precise results at the end of a shift," said Kevin Huttman, president of DuPont Qualicon. "With fast, accurate detection of Listeria, even at low concentrations, food processors get the information they need to take action sooner and release product faster."
Listeria is found in many kinds of foods and us usually killed with proper cooking. Ready-to-eat products, such as hot dogs and deli meat, can become contaminated between cooking and packaging, however. The infection Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes. This illness is especially risky for pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals. DuPont Qualicon said.