Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. recently announced the launch of its PIF Supplement for the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter spp., in powdered infant formula—with or without probiotics—dairy ingredients, and cereal. It can also be used in testing environmental samples from production areas. The PIF Supplement was developed to be paired with Bio-Rad’s iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Test Kits and RAPID'Chromogenic Media to yield a highly performant method.

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 inhibits background flora, such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and other gram-positive bacteria.

Using the PIF Supplement, users can enrich Salmonella and Cronobacter simultaneously from a single enrichment broth for samples up to 375 grams. After the enrichment step, any of the existing iQ-Check Real-Time PCR and RAPID'Chromogenic Media methods may be used to screen for these pathogens.

The PIF Supplement demonstrated excellent performance during the NF VALIDATION extension of the iQ-Check Cronobacter Real-Time PCR Detection Kit. The protocol was also included in the validation renewal of RAPID’Sakazakii Chromogenic Media.

Bio-Rad | Bio-Rad.com/PIF