DuPont Qualicon recently released its new BAX System test for E. coli, and it can be used by beef processors, service labs and other food industries to quickly and accurately check beef and produce for E. coli contamination.

Developed in collaboration with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), this BAX System assay uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to quickly detect all known E. coli, even atypical strains that can be missed by some other tests.

E. coli is a food-borne pathogen that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, illness at very low infectious doses - as few as 10 organisms. The BAX System real-time assay was validated on industry standard sizes of ground beef, beef trim, lettuce and spinach that were spiked at 1-2 cells per portion, and it was found to perform as well or better than the reference culture methods.

According to Frank Burns, Qualicon senior scientist, E. coli is a highly-complex and variable organism that can be challenging to detect at low levels.

''This new BAX System assay is an extremely accurate and robust molecular method. Its rapid reaction time allows for quick test completion, which is essential for customers who hold perishable products while waiting for test results before shipping,'' Burns said.