No trend has been reported as being more impactful than the increase in the amount of analytical testing being conducted—especially the increase in testing for microorganisms.

Food companies and regulators have become increasingly vigilant for environmental pathogens in manufacturing facilities, with problems triggering swab-a-thons and even recalls.

For ready-to-eat food processors, developing and implementing pathogen environmental monitoring programs are important parts of their sanitation controls.

The Listeria Right Now™ test system detectsListeria, including the pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes, in environmental samples in under 60 minutes—with molecular-level accuracy and without the need to enrich samples. The test has also been submitted for AOAC Performance Tested certification to further validate its accuracy.

This pathogen detection system improves food safety by providing fast, easy-to-use and cost effective methodology to detect and prevent environmental pathogens.

Adenosine trisphosphate hygiene monitoring can play an important role in the verification of good sanitation practices.

With the focus of the Food Safety Modernization Act shifting from reaction to prevention, food processors will carry even greater responsibility.

Rapidly emerging use of whole-genome sequencing will provide a major improvement in our ability to define pathogen sources throughout the food chain.  

Convenience methods have become a standard for saving the food industry time, labor and money in their microbiology work.

A successful environmental monitoring program incorporates a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to maintaining a low risk manufacturing environment.