Laboratories performing tests for poultry producers can simultaneously screen samples for Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis using the first independently validated PCR test of its kind.

Thermo Fisher Scientific was recently awarded the NF VALIDATION mark by AFNOR Certification for the Thermo Scientific RapidFinder Salmonella Multiplex PCR Workflow which features simple sample preparation and results in as few as 16 hours from raw, ready-to-eat and ready to reheat poultry and pork, as well as production environment samples. This is the latest approval in an on-going validation program designed to address all stages of the poultry production process. In 2017 the test received AOAC-RI PTM^SM certification for the same types of samples.

"The poultry industry invests heavily to ensure compliance with European food safety regulations designed to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella and other organisms," says Bernd Hofmann, vice president, global marketing, microbiology, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "This unique tool provides valuable information in a short timeframe which can bring substantial economic benefits to producers, while enabling them to continue meeting the relevant safety criteria. To be able to identify Salmonella Typhimurium and Enteritidis in Salmonella species-positive samples in as few as 16 hours means faster actions may be taken compared to other validated methods, which take a minimum of 36 hours to provide the same level of information."

Many rapid methods, including other PCR tests, are available to indicate when Salmonella is present but not many are capable of providing serovar identification at the same time. To get that information the laboratory must either run additional rapid tests, which can prove very expensive, or use traditional identification techniques that take several days to complete, thereby delaying the point at which product can be released or other actions taken.

The RapidFinder Salmonella Multiplex PCR Solution offers:

• Simple sample enrichment and PCR preparation protocols – fast & scalable for small to higher-throughput laboratories
• Multiplexed, simultaneous detection of Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis facilitating one-well screening and identification for maximum efficiency
• Excellent sensitivity, specificity and reliability as evidenced through the AOAC-RI PTMSM and NF VALIDATION studies
• Confidence in results – AOAC-RI PTM and AFNOR Certification as part of an extensive validation program to address salmonella testing needs at all stages of the poultry production process

In addition to the RapidFinder Salmonella Multiplex PCR Solution, Thermo Fisher Scientific provides real-time PCR-based workflow solutions and other methods to test for a broad range of food safety and quality indicators, as well as an expanding range of custom developed assays. All of our PCR solutions are designed to run on the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System which provides expansive molecular capability and streamlined testing processes which may reduce overall costs.

Find out more by visiting www.thermofisher.com/power-up.