BIOTECON Diagnostics has received AOAC-RI Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) Certification for its foodproof STEC Screening LyoKit and STEC Identification LyoKit in combination with the StarPrep Three extraction kit. 

The rigorous evaluation, which was conducted with raw ground beef and raw beef trim, was found to meet the appropriate standard for its intended use. 

“Our core business is to provide food and beverage safety solutions to reduce the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC or VTEC), such as E. coli O157, E. coli O145 or E. coli O104 are known to cause diseases such as diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and the potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)"

"This is something we take very seriously, and we have made it our mission to help our customers in any way we can to build brand trust and loyalty. With this AOAC approval, we highlight the reliability and high-level performance of our STEC screening and identification methods,” said Dr Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics.

The BIOTECON Diagnostics’ foodproof STEC Screening and Identification LyoKits were validated in comparison to the reference method USDA-FSIS MLG 5C.00. The foodproof STEC method successfully detected STEC in fresh raw ground beef and fresh raw beef trim after 8 and 22 ± 2 h incubation time for 25g test portions; and after 12 and 22 ± 2 h incubation time for 375g test portions.

Furthermore, when using the mTSB enrichment medium, there was no need for additional antibiotics. This rapid workflow with only two PCR tests ultimately leads to cost-savings and opens up good opportunities for the food sector, especially the meat industry, to generate new sales.

Finally, the STEC screening and identification method, with its open platform, is AOAC-RI PTM validated on the following cyclers: LightCycler® 480, LightCycler® 96, AriaMx, CFX96 and ABI 7500 fast, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility.