11 replies to this topic

[bananaOz]

what tools would you recommend to test the big 3, e.coli, salmonella and listeria

 

the requirement is for the result to come back as fast as possible, the product is one that is made on the day, then pack on the day and shipped, and shelf life is about 2 to 3 weeks.

 

and price comparison would be helpfull

[mohamed ahmed yusuf]

I think PCR is the perfect tool for this

[Charles.C]

what tools would you recommend to test the big 3, e.coli, salmonella and listeria

 

the requirement is for the result to come back as fast as possible, the product is one that is made on the day, then pack on the day and shipped, and shelf life is about 2 to 3 weeks.

 

and price comparison would be helpfull

Do you mean install an internal micro lab ?

[G M]

3M makes some "rapid" detection petrifilms, some of which give results in 24h.  Prices are a few dollars per 'plate'.

[Faith S]

Hi,

 

If you want fast results  would recommend Rapid test kits for those specific Microorganisms.

 

Regards,

 

Faith

[Brothbro]

I does really depend on the type of product you have as well as your specifications for testing. Are you testing for presence/absence of these pathogens? Like Mohamed Ahmed Yusuf mentions PCR could be helpful here. But PCR is a complicated procedure to set up internally, you would be better off outsourcing that testing. Rapid methods exist, but these are often very expensive and may not be compatible with your sample matrix. Most companies do 3M petrifilms which are easy to use and rather cheap, but the fastest you'll get results is 48 hours and the sensitivity of these tests can't be compared with PCR.

 

If your firm doesn't have any microbio experience, I would really suggest reaching out to a lab in your area about setting up a testing program. Through negotiation you may be able to get a discounted price due to sample volume.

[PQAManager]

Why don't you put your product on hold for testing?  If you have positive listeria, e-coli, or salmonella what are you going to do?  A recall?  Major sanitation?  Destroy product?  Isn't it better to put the 48 hour hold for testing?  I would rather something not pass QC that was on hold than to have to recall product.  You can go with the Petri-plates from 3M, they are great.  What about Environmental Monitoring?

[AJL]

I would say you need to do an enrichment overnight and then followed by PCR :)

Especially if you are doing large volumes. But a in house lab is a huge cost and not so popular as you are essentially 'breeding' pathogens on  site ... eek!

[PQAManager]

Here is what our supplier charges for Petri-plates:

 

E.Coli/Coliform Count Plate Petrifilm: 50 count pack of plates for $94.57  (24-48 hours)

E.Coli/Coliform Count Plate Rapid Petri: 50 count pack of plates for $143.57 (18-24 hours)

Petrifilm Salmonella Express Plate: 50 count pack of plates for $227.57 (24 ± 2 hours)

Environmental Listeria Plate Petrifilm: 50 count pack of plates for $439.34 (28 hours)

 

Christy  Cobos <ccobos@midlandsci.com>

 

You will need to have an incubator if you don't already.  There is other nice pieces of equipment to assist, but you don't have to buy them.  And please, if anyone has a cheaper supplier please let me know.

[bananaOz]

so answering the questions

 

Do you mean install an internal micro lab ?

yes, the company is weighting if it is worth it to keep doing external testing or should we get capability of internal testing

 

Why don't you put your product on hold for testing?

the company is still small scale, and the product is mozzarella type of cheese, one with shelf life of 2 weeks, produced in the morning, out by the afternoon to the distribution centre, which we hold until next day

management want it so as well, got no power or influence in the company yet for major chage/ enforcement

 

as for why this question

because I saw this

https://www.hygiena....crosnap-e-coli/

and we just need a quick test to be able to make decision in that 1 day gap

but was wondering if it is worth it because of the price

[Charles.C]

so answering the questions

 

Do you mean install an internal micro lab ?

yes, the company is weighting if it is worth it to keep doing external testing or should we get capability of internal testing

 

Why don't you put your product on hold for testing?

the company is still small scale, and the product is mozzarella type of cheese, one with shelf life of 2 weeks, produced in the morning, out by the afternoon to the distribution centre, which we hold until next day

management want it so as well, got no power or influence in the company yet for major chage/ enforcement

 

as for why this question

because I saw this

https://www.hygiena....crosnap-e-coli/

and we just need a quick test to be able to make decision in that 1 day gap

but was wondering if it is worth it because of the price

 Hi banana,

 

There are, not surprisingly, various threads on this Forum more or less duplicating yr OP query. The majority of conclusions are probably similar to Post 6 from an operational POV.

 

Despite the advent of seemingly casual rapid testing kits, microbiological analyses are not always simple or without safety risks especially in technically unskilled hands. Salmonella spp and L.monocytogenes are pathogens of Biosafety Level 2 and require an appropriate laboratory environment for handling purposes.

[Rick Reyes]

Good morning all, when I clicked on the link for Hygenia it states that this method is AOAC Performance Tested which is different from being AOAC Official Method of Analysis certified, this can become a problem during an audit and for regulators, if the Performance Testing was not performed on a similar product to the product that the end user if testing then there could be issues with the validity of the test results, as an example, was testing done on high acid foods.