US-based Life Technologies has developed a new molecular test for the detection of multiple strains of E.coli in ground beef.
According to the company,the new test simultaneously detects E.coli O157:H7 and six non-O157 E.coli strains(O26,O45,O103,O111,O121 and O145)in 375g of ground beef and beef trim samples.
It can detect as little as 1 to 5cfu of pathogenic E.coli in the sample,and lowers chances for false positives and eliminate false negatives.In addition,it can screen 375g of ground beef and beef trim samples in 10 hours.
Life Technologies Food Safety and Animal Health general manager Nir Nimrodi said that by quickly and accurately analyzing more strains of E.coli,meat producers can ensure that the beef is safe for public consumption.
Currently,the US Department of Agriculture(USDA)requires testing for the six non-O157 strains(O26,O45,O103,O111,O121 and O145),which cause about 70%of non-O157 infection.
Life Technologies is a global biotechnology company which provides solutions for translational research,molecular medicine and diagnostics,stem cell-based therapies,forensics,food safety and animal health.
