Next generation 3M^™ Molecular Detection Assays for ­Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella have been certified by NF Validation from AFNOR Certification. Earlier this year, all three assays were also designated by AOAC INTERNATIONAL^® as Official Methods^SM.

These pathogen test kits were introduced last year as part of the 3M^™ Molecular Detection System platform, award-winning technology that leverages the combination of isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection. The test kits are accurate, faster to get results easy-to-use and offer a cost effective solution with high sensitivity and specificity.

NF Validation by AFNOR Certification

The NF Validation certification process is comprised of two phases, beginning with a method comparison study in which a single, expert lab thoroughly tests the new technology’s effectiveness versus standard methods. Subsequent to that, an inter-laboratory study occurs in which multiple laboratories compare the efficacy of both the new test method and reference method under defined conditions of reproducibility and repeatability.

The validation for the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Listeria (Certificate reference number: 3M 01/14-05/16), 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Listeria monocytogenes (Certificate reference number: 3M 01/15-09/16), and for the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Salmonella (Certificate reference number: 3M 01/16-11/16), certifies that the test kits are each equivalent to or better than standard reference methods in detecting those pathogens in all human foods as well as in samples from the food processing environment, excluding primary production samples.

“Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are among the most common pathogens responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks throughout the world, so being able to offer rapid assays for these pathogens that stand up to the rigor of AFNOR Certification criteria is a key milestone for our customers,” said Marie-Pierre Copin, 3M Food Safety’s European Regulatory Affairs Specialist.

Visit 3M.com/foodsafety/MDA2