Based on novel technology, a recent approach to pathogen testing eliminates the enrichment phase of assays, which means getting results before a shift is over.
Listeria—it’s seems like it’s everywhere. In fact, some of the largest food contamination outbreaks have been due to Listeria. Two recent examples include Jensen Farms (33 deaths from tainted cantaloupes in 2011) and Maple Leaf Foods in 2008, which killed 22 people who had eaten infected lunchmeat.
While assays can’t remove contamination from a product, tests that produce timely, accurate results—and can be done cost-effectively in house by operations personnel—can go a long way in helping processors understand where issues may occur and prevent contaminated products from leaving a plant.