New Rapid Listeria Testing
If you are a food manufacturer and have either an FCP or are transitioning your FSP to align with the Food Act 2014 that requires Listeria testing we have great news for you…
Eurofins-ELS can now offer a 24 hour presumptive screen of Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes using Eurofins own internationally accredited platform called BACGene - contact us now or read on to find out more! |
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis - one of the most virulent foodborne pathogens. Infections in high risk individuals can be fatal so early detection is a primary focus for food manufacturers. In pregnant women, symptoms may be mild but can result in miscarriage, premature birth, or in rare cases, stillbirth.
Listeriosis is a notifiable disease and doctors will report cases to their local public health unit for further investigation.
Where is it found?
Listeria monocytogenes occurs widely in soil and water and can be carried by poultry and cattle. It can be transmitted through food such as raw milk, ready-to-eat deli such as meats, salads, poultry products, seafood, soft cheeses and refrigerated foods with a long shelf life.
Once food is contaminated, the bacteria can multiply quickly, even at recommended storage refrigeration temperatures of 2 to 40C.
So what is BACGene Listeria Multiplex?
BACGene Listeria technology is a 24 hour PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) detection method for Listeria species including Listeria monocytogenes that can be used on all food products and environmental samples.
This technology detects a complete set of genes or genetic material present of the target organism (bacteria).
PCR is an exponential reaction where detection of a single piece of DNA is possible. However PCR does not determine whether the target microorganism is viable (living) or non-viable (dead) hence all detections (screen positive presumptive results) are followed up with a culture confirmation in the lab.
This new capability is very exciting, as many of our customers have already learned. Food manufacturers are already seeing the benefits of rapid pathogen detection, by allowing them to release their product to market earlier, saving time and money as a result.
