3M Food Safety Develops New Rapid Detection Method For Foodborne Pathogens
The food safety division of 3M has developed a new rapid detection system for Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and other foodborne pathogens.
The 3M Molecular Detection System, for use in food and beverage pathogen testing labs, combines Isothermal DNA Amplification and Bioluminescence Detection technologies to provide a faster, easier to use, and less expensive test for pathogens, according to 3M spokeswoman Mary Kokkinen..
“In comparison to other rapid detection methods, our system improves efficiencies in the lab process by offering customers only one preparation protocol across all assays and all matrices allowing for batch processing, easier training and less chance for human error,” Kokkinen said.
The combined technology also contributes to the affordability of the system, she said. “Isothermal DNA amplification proceeds at a constant temperature, removing the need for complicated instrumentation (thermocycler). Bioluminescence detection eliminates the need for high-cost excitation sources, fluorophores, fluorescent filters and detectors.”
The portable system, requires about as much counter space a laptop computer, has been tested on a variety of food segments, including meat, poultry, produce, dairy, seafood and processed foods. It comes with ready-to-use and pre-dispensed reagents that require no measuring, mixing or aliquoting by the customers.
“We believe this is a growing and important category for Food Safety," Kokkinen said. “Pathogens are a real threat to public health and to our customer’s businesses.”
