3M Food Safety have announced that their 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay for E.coli O157 (including H7) has been granted a NF VALIDATION certification from AFNOR CERTIFICATION for its ability to detect the bacteria in raw beef, fruit, vegetable and dairy products. AFNOR CERTIFICATION's validation for E.coli O157, effective for a four-year period, follows a similar evaluation process completed in recent months for 3M's Molecular Detection Assay for the Salmonella organism. Salmonella and E.coli are perennially two leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks throughout the world.

Achieving NF VALIDATION certification requires undergoing a multi-phased scientific review. 3M's assay was comprehensively evaluated in accordance with the ISO 16140 standard by an expert independent laboratory and then further analyzed by 15 European laboratories to confirm reproducibility and repeatability. The assay also underwent independent laboratory testing prior to obtaining AOAC-PTM approval from the AOAC Research Institute in July 2012.

For more information, visit www.3M.com/3MMolecularDetectionSystem/ECOAFNOR. Achieving NF VALIDATION certification requires undergoing a multi-phased scientific review. 3M's assay was comprehensively evaluated in accordance with the ISO 16140 standard by an expert independent laboratory and then further analyzed by 15 European laboratories to confirm reproducibility and repeatability. The assay also underwent independent laboratory testing prior to obtaining AOAC-PTM approval from the AOAC Research Institute in July 2012.

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