USDA-FSIS screens more than 11,000 samples of raw meat and poultry annually.
One laboratory procedure is the Most Probable Number (MPN) test for detection and enumeration of microorganisms.
By automating the process with Tempo, labs can save analysis time, reduce operational costs, eliminate the need for manual plate counting, and dedicate time elsewhere, said bioMérieux.
The MLG provides best practices for analytical testing and procedures to ensure the safety of the US food supply.
In 2013, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) installed Tempo units at three regional testing centers: St. Louis, Missouri, Athens, Georgia, and Alameda, California.
Nicolas Cartier, corporate VP at bioMérieux industry unit, said foodborne illness and food contamination have become major public health and economic concerns worldwide.
“The adoption of TEMPO by USDA FSIS is an important recognition of our ongoing commitment to bring to agri-food manufacturers, state-of-the-art technology for monitoring food hygiene.”