AOAC Approves FoodChek™-E. coli O157 TEST for Beef Carcass Sponge Samples

The AOAC Research Institute has approved the FoodChek™-E. coli O157 test for use with Beef Carcass Sponge samples. This additional AOAC-approval, is consistent with USDA-prescribed testing procedures of beef carcasses, and complements FoodChek's other AOAC approvals including 25g, 65g, 325g and 375g Raw Ground Beef ('RGB') samples and N-60 Beef Trim samples. FoodChek™-E. coli O157 is now AOAC-approved and USDA-accepted for all current U.S. beef industry beef sample test applications.

The AOAC Beef Carcass Sponge approval further supports the Company's unique and proprietary MICT magnetic nanotechnology platform. The USDA's approval of the MICT platform enables FoodChek to offer U.S. beef processors the superior speed (results in 7 to 8 hours, including enrichment time), accuracy (= 98% sensitivity and specificity) and ease-of-use of the FoodChek™-E. coli O157 test with the full support of USDA inspectors. FoodChek™-E. coli O157 provides beef processors with the fastest Food Safety diagnostic test to safely release finished product into distribution, reduce product holding costs and recover lost product value.

William J. Hogan, President & CEO, stated 'The AOAC Beef Carcass Sponge approval together with the previous AOAC approvals for 375g RGB and N-60 Beef Trim, now gives FoodChek™-E. coli O157 the ability to deliver E. coli O157 test results on site and in a single production shift to all beef processors, from large slaughterhouses to downstream raw ground beef grinders. From a risk-management perspective, these AOAC test approvals clearly demonstrate that FoodChek™-E. coli O157 is fast, accurate and the easiest diagnostic tool to monitor the effectiveness of processor's microbial interventions and process controls.'

Dr. Gabriela Martinez, FoodChek's Director of Science stated 'With these AOAC approvals, FoodChek™-E. coli O157 has now been proven to have superior sensitivity in RGB and Beef Trim samples (1cfu/375g) and in Beef Carcass Sponge samples (<0.05 cfu/100 cm2). This contributes to protecting both the beef processors' brand and public health. Additionally, this powerful screening tool detects all pathogenic serotypes of E. coli O157, including H7 and non motiles (NM), as well as other serotypes of E. coli O157, which are a growing public health concern.'