DuPont Nutrition & Health BAX System Adopted by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service - DNA-Based Screener for Nation's Food Supply

The BAX® system, a genetics-based screening method developed by DuPont Nutrition & Health, has been adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to detect Listeria monocytogenes in the nation’s meat and poultry supply. The USDA also has responsibility for the safety of meat and poultry imports.

The announcement was made today by Bill Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator. "This is a good example of how FSIS is using new technology to improve efficiency," said Hudnall. "FSIS can reduce the time that it takes to notify meat and poultry producers of a negative result, and fewer false positives will help to reduce agency resources used to confirm positive screen tests."

FSIS is now testing the BAX® system with other pathogens, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E.coli) O157:H7.

"We are extremely pleased with this news from FSIS," said Kevin Huttman, president of DuPont Nutrition & Health. "In addition to its accuracy, the BAX® system is a cost-effective aid that provides results in hours versus days and increased confidence so workers can focus on other critical needs. The importance of protecting the nation’s food supply has never been more important, and the BAX® system is the only pathogen screener available today which provides the total package needed to do the job - accuracy, speed and automation."

The nation’s food supply could be strongly impacted, with more accurate systems in place to serve food companies, retailers and restaurants. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 80 billion pounds of meat are consumed in the U.S. alone each year and more than 4 billion pounds are imported.

Listeria monocytogenes is an especially serious food pathogen. The BAX® system is a breakthrough genetics-based screening method that detects target bacteria in raw ingredients, finished food products and environmental samples.

The BAX® system, which takes little space and looks like a desktop computer, has been available since November 2000. More than 200 BAX® systems already are in use by governments, food companies and laboratories in 30 countries.

In addition, the global diagnostics industry overall totals $27 billion annually, with the food diagnostics industry representing more than $1.7 billion.

Qualicon, Inc. is a DuPont subsidiary and part of the DuPont Nutrition and Health portfolio. The business provides the most advanced molecular technologies for pathogen screening. In addition to the BAX® system, Qualicon markets the patented RiboPrinter® system, the world’s only automated DNA fingerprinting instrument that rapidly pinpoints sources of bacteria in pharmaceutical, personal care products and food.

During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation – providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people’s lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.