Testing & Analysis

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Supporting routine laboratory testing, the GENESYS G5 series features an expanded software ecosystem with optional application-specific packages, including guided workflows and preconfigured methods intended to reduce setup time and improve consistency.

This episode of Food Safety Five covers a novel detection method for Clostridium botulinum and a potential new processing approach to mitigate contamination, as well as growing discussion around how C. botulinum should be handled in infant formula manufacturing, spurred by recent botulism outbreaks.

The platform was developed to address limitations of earlier DNA barcoding methods by using species-targeted genomic approaches, authenticated reference materials, and analytical systems designed specifically for commercial botanical products.

According to the company, the GENE-UP TYPER SLM assay specifically targets S. enterica, the subspecies most commonly associated with human salmonellosis and foodborne illness.

ByHeart-commissioned research shows the currently accepted “gold standard” for Clostridium botulinum detection in powdered formula, SRC enumeration, may fail to catch contamination. It is used by many formula brands, including Nara Organics, another company linked to an infant botulism outbreak. Following this finding, third-party IEH Labs developed a novel detection method.

As the agency continues to delay enforcement of Salmonella verification testing for not-ready-to-eat, breaded and stuffed chicken products, Consumer Reports is asking for evidence to support USDA-FSIS’ assertion that currently available test methods are not suitable, which contradicts the agency’s previous stance.

Although the levels of gluten in analyzed samples fell below EU limits, the results from conventional ELISA tests differed from those of a new, more sensitive method. Combining established rapid testing methods with advanced mass spectrometry techniques could potentially improve future detection capabilities.

The certification confirms that the performance of the Bio-Rad method used in its EZ-Check Listeria and EZ-Check Listeria monocytogenes Kits is equivalent to that of the reference method according to ISO 16140-2 standards.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic compounds formed during high-heat cooking. An emerging testing method known as QuEChERS—which stands for “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe”—is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional PAH tests.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to water activity specialist and researcher Dr. Brady Carter about the importance of understanding water activity for shelf-life prediction, enhancing food safety and quality, and improving food system sustainability.