August 1, 2008

Diagnostic systems supplier bioMerieux said its new Vidas UP phage recombinant protein, developed by German group Profos AG, is highly sensitive towards E. coli, providing a quicker and more precise detection.

Bacteriophages, which are viruses that target bacteria and use adhesion structures to bind to their bacterial hosts, are reportedly suitable for testing meat samples and is the latest addition to the Vidas product range.

A company spokesperson said Vidas UP could deliver test results within seven hours and could analyse sample sizes up to 375 grammes.

Despite better food safety practises in the meat sector and lesser number of reported cases, ground beef is one of the main sources of E. coli contamination in the US and there has been a number of recall cases this year.