13 replies to this topic

[djammur]

Does anyone use a rapid testing method for listeria and or salmonella testing?   I am at a loss here...especially for new equipment testing.  Our departments cannot wait days to wait for the results before they move new equipment into place, that is just not realistic.

 

Any suggestions on how to get around that time frame?

[Scampi]

Djammur, the quickest tests that I'm aware of are 24 (salmonella) and 48 hour (generic Listeria---not mono)

 

What do you mean by moving in new equipment and testing?  Just put all the product on hold pending results--------------or do you mean before even using it for the first time?

[djammur]

brand new never used coming into the building.  We are supposed to swab to ensure pathogens are not brought into the facility.  We are a label/packaging printer

[Scampi]

Ok, I'm confused.....you're going to perform a thorough clean/sanitize prior to use.........so why test???

 

Let's assume you get a positive, then what? How will you clean it if not inside?

[Scampi]

https://www.romerlab...ogens/listeria/

 

It's a start, but your still really looking at 2 full days

[Lesley.Roberts]

Djammur​ - you can also run ATP swabs at the same time as Pathogen swabs, then equipment is released on the ATP swabs & pathogen swabs used as confirmation (as long as the product isn't released before results are known).

 

This, of course, depends on your level of confidence & history of pathogen findings on equipment/in your factory.

[Hoosiersmoker]

https://www.3m.com/3...93785211&rt=rud

https://www.3m.com/3...93785686&rt=rud

Hope this helps

[Scampi]

The original poster probably does not have a lab to use and will need to get instant read or similar testing methods............you can send swabs out, but they need to be kept chilled below 4C etc after swabbing and on route to the lab

[Charles.C]

Sounds like another supplier for NASA ?

[Scampi]

Sounds like another supplier for NASA ?

 

 

LOL Charles, i think we're seeing the swab a thon as a result of GFSI's, even when it just doesn't make good sense.........money is better spend in other places a lot of the time

[MsMars]

As long as you have validated your sanitation process previously, I would just do a thorough clean of the new equipment and processing area upon receipt of the new equipment and do a set of ATP and listeria/salmonella after cleaning. If you must use the equipment before results are received, place any product that you manufacture on the equipment on hold until the swab results come back clear.  

[djammur]

This is a customer requirement, unfortunately.  Thanks everyone for your feedback!

[Scampi]

https://www.foodsafe...novation-award/

 

This link may be of help for listeria.............results in an hour!

[MsMars]

https://www.foodsafe...novation-award/

 

This link may be of help for listeria.............results in an hour!

 

We considered this in the last facility I was in... however our volume did not justify its cost (mainly the purchase of the ANSR reader and software), and we were planning to do regular environmental swabs.  I would say if OP is only doing new equipment swabs, it may not be worth it in the long run.  

 

One day we will have an ATP-esque test for Listeria. One can dream.