As salmonella bacteria are the most commonly reported cause of foodborne illnesses, never has testing been so important. However, while conventional salmonella test kits involve numerous complicated steps, Hygiena International’s recently developed InSite Salmonella micro-organism colorimetric test is rapid, convenient and extremely accurate. It combines both swab, pre-enrichment and selective enrichment in a single self-contained swab device for testing environmental surfaces, giving results in 24 hours.

Hygiena InSite is a cost-effective Salmonella screening test for food contact surfaces, processing equipment and general environmental samples that combines the principal steps of pre-enrichment and selective enrichment in an all-in-one swab device. The test consists of a large sponge swab pre-wetted with a neutralising agent – to counter the effects of residual sanitisers – and a pre-enrichment broth to enable the detection of low numbers of Salmonella.

The bulb contains the AOAC enrichment Salmonella Indicator Broth PDX-SIB. After activation and incubation, a colour change of the selective enrichment broth from purple to yellow is considered as a ‘presumptive positive’ result.

A brief pre-enrichment period of just six hours enables the detection of presumptive positive samples within a 24-hour period. Alternatively, optional overnight or 24-hour pre-enrichment permits the detection of such samples in 48 hours. The test requires fewer materials, fewer steps and less manipulation by users. Furthermore, its all-in-one format maintains security by confining hazardous pathogens.

Screening for pathogens is a vital element of environmental monitoring programmes for certain food manufacturing plants. Not only does it confirm the effectiveness of a sanitation procedure, environmental monitoring also forms part of a comprehensive preventive control verification programme.

It is imperative that testing for the presence of Salmonella is carried out during facilities manufacturing and processing as well as wherever there is packing/holding of foods for consumption. However, while there are probably 40 different methods for salmonella detection currently commercially available, all require a skilled operator and are time-consuming, laborious and prone to errors at several stages.

In contrast, Hygiena InSite is quick, straightforward and reliable, while further benefits include reduced risk of cross-contamination and the retention of active culture for any subsequent verification and identification tests.

An instructional video explaining the product details and proper use of InSite Salmonella can be viewed at: www.hygiena.com/insite-salmonella-food-and-beverage.html