Easy-to-use supplement enriches both Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter spp. in a single broth for up to 375g samples with a 1:4 dilution ratio

Bio-Rad Laboratories announced the launch of its PIF Supplement for the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, in particular, Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter spp., in powdered infant formula and cereals —with or without probiotics—and other dairy ingredients. It can also be used in testing environmental samples from production areas. The PIF Supplement was developed to be combined with Bio-Rad’s iQ-Check real-time PCR test kits and RAPID’Chromogenic media to provide high performing methods.

The Bio-Rad PIF Supplement meets the growing demand from dairy producers such as infant formula manufacturers and service labs to test for Salmonella and Cronobacter in large sample sizes. It provides unrivaled performance and meets the strict quality requirements of the industry in a cost-effective manner. To optimize recovery of the pathogens, the supplement used with Bio-Rad BPW inhibits background flora, such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and other gram-positive bacteria, and improves the growth of targeted bacteria.

Using the PIF Supplement, users can enrich Salmonella and Cronobacter simultaneously from a single enrichment broth for samples up to 375 grams with a 1:4 dilution ratio. After this harmonized enrichment step, any of the existing iQ-Check real-time PCR and RAPID’Chromogenic media methods to screen for these pathogens may be used. The low 1:4 dilution ratio offers multiple advantages, allowing a significant decrease of the enrichment broth volume and cost. The blue coloration of supplemented broth improves usability.

The PIF Supplement demonstrated excellent performance during the NF VALIDATION of iQ-Check Cronobacter real-time PCR detection kit and RAPID’Sakazakii chromogenic media. The same protocol is also included in the ongoing AFNOR validation renewal of iQ-Check Salmonella spp. II and RAPID’Salmonella methods

• Fully harmonized enrichment protocol with unique sample preparation, incubated at 37°C for 18-26 hr for PCR (or 24 hr for chromogenic media)
• Cost and labor saving protocol with
• High-performance protocol with >26.5% sensitivity over the standard method (100% vs 73.5% for ISO 22964 method)

To learn more about the PIF Supplement, visit bio-rad.com/PIF