DuPont BAX System for detecting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli

The DuPont BAX System has been certified by the AOAC Research Institute as a Performance Tested Method (PTM) for detecting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in beef trim and ground beef.

With the certification, DuPont’s whole portfolio of BAX System assays has been validated by the AOAC. This means food companies can use one molecular-based platform for pathogen testing. The range comprises assays for three foodborne pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

The AOAC Research Institute validated the BAX System method as equivalent to the reference culture method for detecting STEC, but with faster time to results. BAX System assays for detecting E. coli O157:H7, Listeria spp. and other pathogens are already PTM certified.

The BAX System suite of STEC assays, based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, was developed in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA ARS).

The company says the automated system uses leading-edge technology, including PCR assays, tableted reagents and optimised media to detect Salmonella, Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 and STEC, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio, yeast and mould.