Romer Labs Listeria Test System Achieves AOAC Certification

The AOAC PTM certification extension for food samples validates RapidChek Listeria NextDay™ as equivalent to the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service’s (FSIS) 48-hour methodology for detecting all 6 Listeria species on food samples, including hot dogs, roast beef, frozen breaded chicken and meatballs and equivalent to the FDA BAM 48-hour methodology for various dairy products. The RapidChek Listeria NextDay™ system had previously received AOAC PTM certification for monitoring environmental surfaces, including stainless steel, rubber, plastic and concrete under the brand name RapidChek Listeria F.A.S.T. ™.

 

According to the USDA FSIS, dozens of food product recalls within the last 3 years could have been prevented if the industry routinely followed the “test and hold” practice. With “test and hold” now in place, many processors are moving from traditional 40-48 hour Listeria methods to faster rapid methods due to storage and spoilage costs. The NextDay™ system is designed to provide food processors with the benefits of reduced material and processing costs as well as enhanced workflow and reduced time-to-results to meet these needs.

 

Michael Prinster, CEO at Romer Labs North America, said, “The extension of our AOAC-PTM certification for the RapidChek Listeria NextDay™ system will allow processors and testing labs to obtain next-day results for ready-to-eat food samples using the same cost-effective, accurate test system that has successfully been implemented in many facilities around the world for environmental samples. RapidChek® Listeria NextDay™ will enable food processors to reach results faster, without comprising accuracy. We are very pleased with this AOAC certification and believe that our test system