AOAC Research Institute certifies Idaho's E.coli O157:H7 test

Oct 7 2009

Idaho Technology, Inc. (ITI) has been granted Performance Tested Methods Status by the AOAC Research Institute (Certificate No. 100901) for its E.coli O157:H7 test used with the R.A.P.I.D.^® LT Food Security System (FSS). The assay uses real-time PCR technology to identify the presence of E.coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef and uncooked spinach food samples.

The system marks a milestone in real-time PCR testing of foodborne pathogens as this platform enables detection of E.coli O157:H7 in less than one hour after only eight hours of enrichment. The validation studies on ground beef and spinach prove that the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS performed as well as or better than traditional culture methods with faster time to result. The complete system provides the easiest end-to-end protocol for PCR-based detection methods, and the E.coli O157:H7 test joins the Idaho Technology Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. assays as AOAC-RI approved.

“Our objective is to help food processors effectively test for E.coli O157:H7 in order to prevent illness in consumers,” said David Nielsen, ITI vice president of product development. “This new test from Idaho Technology provides easy, accurate and timely pathogen identification to enhance food companies’ productivity.”

The validation of this rapid screening tool for E.coli is an important development for all food manufacturers since E.coli O157:H7 is a major health problem and is estimated to cause infection in more than 70,000 patients a year in the United States alone. The use of an E.coli O157:H7 screening tool that is both rapid and accurate will permit earlier release of products without fear of potential outbreaks or possible food recalls. The assay is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel.