Merck Millipore Readybag pouches with dehydrated culture media

Merck Millipore has launched Readybag pouches with dehydrated culture media for pathogen testing in food. The pre-weighed, gamma-irradiated pouches - which can be used for either Salmonella or Listeria - are claimed to eliminate all media preparation steps and reduce typical sample preparation time by more than 50%.

The pouches eliminate autoclaving, media weighing and supplement handling. The only step required prior to incubation is the addition of sterile water, thus reducing sample preparation time and streamlining workflow.

The irradiation dosage added does not impede microorganism growth; its performance is similar to non-irradiated, autoclaved culture media. In addition, the Readybag Half Fraser Broth for Listeria incorporates culture supplements into its media, eliminating the time and expense associated with preparation and sterile filtration.

The pouches reportedly have a shelf life of three years, compared to three months for self-prepared prepared media, reducing costs and waste associated with media storage. In addition, the Readybag enrichment media come in a soluble granulated format which - unlike powdered media - compacts fine particles into small, uniform granules, thus reducing dust generation, dispersion and the risk of inhalation of hazardous or toxic substances.

The media is ISO 11133 compliant. According to the company, the pouches reduce complexity and the risk of contamination, increasing consumer safety and allowing final products to reach the market sooner.