USDA Breakthrough in E. coli Testing
USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed a new test for E. coli O157:H7 and the powerful toxin that the pathogen emits -- a breakthrough for health inspectors and the food industry that could be commercialized within a few years.
The test engineered by an ARS research unit in Albany, New York, has a two-in-one component that will replace the need currently for separate tests on the E. coli O157:H7 organism and the Shiga-toxin it produces. The bug and the toxin can be found in food separately.
According to a recent New York Times account of the testing advance, the new instrument will greatly speed results. Instead of the current standard of waiting one week, results would be delivered in less than 24 hours.
Contaminated ground beef is the leading cause of E. coli outbreaks, but J. Mark Carter, leader of the ARS research group, told the Times that the new test could have applications on lettuce and other vegetables.
More work is required on the development, hence the wait for market delivery.
