Campylobacter test speeds up detection process

FRANCE - An internationally-validated test for Campylobacter, can pick up the pathogen within three hours, allowing processors to speed up the time when they can release products to the market.

Campylobacter,, primarily C. jejuni, is the third leading cause of death from foodborne infections in the world.

Testing for Campylobacter is seldom required by food safety regulations throughout the world. However food companies have a responsibility for adopting the measures to guarantee food safety. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends using a monitoring plan to reduce the risk related to Campylobacter infection. A new international ISO standard on detecting of Campylobacter was recently issued (ISO 10272-1:2006).

Warnex's Rapid Pathogen Detection System uses a DNA-based technology called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence of pathogens in a sample and their numbers. The system allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and the processing of samples within three to 48 hours. Traditional microbiology tests can take from five to seven days to produce results.

Warnex said that its quantitative Campylobacter test used with the company's rapid pathogen detection system was granted "Performance Tested" status by the AOAC Research Institute. The company claims the system is the first quantitative real-time PCR test available to be AOAC-validated for the food industry.

Source: Food Production Daily