PCR-based detection kits for rapid food safety testing
Dated: 21 April 2008
BIOTECON Diagnostics has formed a strategic marketing alliance with the globally operating MERCK KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Merck KGaA sells the foodproof range which has been available in almost all countries of the world since January 1, 2008. More new products will be launched jointly during the year 2008.
The increasing use of rapid food safety testing is receiving more and more attention.
The major reason for this key trend is that the food industry requires quick and accurate results.
Traditional microbiological methods are relatively slow and sometimes inaccurate in comparison to innovative molecular biological techniques. Fast and reliable detection systems are therefore the method of choice.
In particular, advanced real time PCR technology is increasingly being used in the rapid detection of food pathogens and spoilage microorganisms.
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, a technique that allows an exponential amplification of DNA from just a few to more than a billion copies in less than one hour.
This enables a significant reduction in the time taken to achieve results in comparison with conventional cultivation techniques.
After a simple sample preparation – just a small amount of bacteria is needed - the PCR testing can be easily performed in one hour, thereby effectively reducing costs, i.e. time and labor: As a result, the finished goods can be released several days earlier.
Under its foodproof brand BIOTECON Diagnostics has developed real-time PCR detection kits for Enterobacteriaceae plus E. sakazakii (new), Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, E. coli O157 etc.
The range also comprises a unique kit for the screening of beer spoilage organisms as well as GMO testing kits.
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