The Health Canada Compendium of Analytical Methods includes a protocol for using the assay, which allows a single-stage, 20- to 24-hour enrichment and real-time PCR processing to detect Listeria species on a range of environmental surfaces common to industry.
Results are available in less than 24 hours, compared to several days for traditional cell cultures.
The Compendium lists BAX System assays detecting organisms such as Enterobacter sakazakii, L. Genus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella.
BAX System Real-Time Genus Listeria performance was certified in 2014 by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Research Institute Performance Tested Methods program.
The BAX System is a genetics-based screening method that detects target bacteria in raw ingredients, finished food products and environmental samples.
It has been available since 2000 and is used by governments, food companies and labs worldwide.
Martin Easter, chief scientific officer of Hygiena, welcomed the approval.
“This also validates the BAX System method for reference laboratories to help maintain the safety and quality of our food supply, and provide highly accurate results to help release products faster, and save inventory costs.”
Hygiena completed the acquisition of DuPont Diagnostics in March, expanding its portfolio to include the BAX System, RiboPrinter System, Lateral Flow System, StatMedia and Dehydrated Culture Media product lines.