3M Food Safety have announced that its 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay Listeria monocytogenes has been approved by the AOAC® Performance Tested Methods^SM program (Certification #051401). The approval certifies that the test kit, which helps food processors and other parties quickly and accurately detect Listeria monocytogenes, is now considered equivalent or better than standard reference methods for select food matrices by the international organization. The assay provides rapid results in as little as 24 hours of enrichment – days faster than the standard methods.

Select food samples analyzed during the validation study include full fat cottage cheese, chocolate milk, beef hot dogs, deli turkey, cold smoked salmon, bagged raw spinach, romaine lettuce and whole cantaloupe. Testing also covered environmental surfaces including stainless steel and concrete.

In a related development, the 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay Listeria species has received a matrix extension by the AOAC® Performance Tested Methods^SMprogram (Certification #081203). The test kit has received the PTM extension for the following matrices: full fat cottage cheese, beef hot dogs, deli turkey, cold cooked salmon, bagged raw spinach, whole cantaloupe, as well as environmental surfaces including stainless steel and concrete.

“These latest validations for the 3M Molecular Detection Assays further demonstrate 3M’s commitment to providing fast, reliable, and highly accurate pathogen detection solutions that meet the most stringent requirements,” said John David, Global Marketing Supervisor with 3M Food Safety. “With the 3M™ Molecular Detection System, food processors and testing laboratories can test for multiple pathogens with confidence using a single, easy assay protocol that increases productivity in the lab.”

Achieving AOAC PTM status for these assays required a rigorous, independent laboratory examination of 3M’s unique molecular test method’s ability to accurately detect Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. within a variety of intentionally contaminated food matrices. No statistically significant differences were found in the sample results between the 3M Molecular Detection Assays when compared to conventional reference methods.

The 3M Molecular Detection System is based on unique isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection technologies. It is designed around modern-day food processors’ needs for a real-time pathogen detection approach that’s faster and simpler while also more accurate. The company also has AOAC® Official Method of Analysis^SM (OMA) status for its Salmonella assay and both AOAC PTM and NF VALIDATION by AFNOR Certification for its Salmonella and E.coli O157 (including H7) assays, in addition to certifications from government and regulatory organizations in other countries around the world.

For more information, visit www.3M.com/3MMolecularDetectionSystem/LMONOLISAOACPTM