Health Canada, the country’s national health agency, has included Hygiena’s BAX® System Real-Time PCR Assay as a validated method to screen surfaces for Listeria species, a common cause of foodborne illness.

The BAX® System is a genetics-based screening method that detects target bacteria in raw ingredients, finished food products and environmental samples. The automated, easy-to-use system has been available since 2000 when the BAX® System revolutionized rapid food pathogen testing. More than 17 years later, the trusted, tried and true technology of the BAX® System continues to be in use by governments, food companies and laboratories around the world.

“We are delighted to see the approval of the BAX® System by the Canadian government for helping investigate the role of Listeria in foodborne illnesses”, says Martin Easter, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Hygiena. “This also validates the BAX® System method for reference laboratories to help maintain the safety and quality of our food supply, and provide highly accurate results to help release products faster, and save inventory costs.”

Health Canada included the BAX® System methodology in its Compendium of Analytical Methods, a guide of official methods approved and used by Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch to determine compliance with government standards and guidelines, and investigate foodborne diseases.