Bio-Rad's iQ-Check™ Salmonella kit has been approved by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), as a valid alternative method for the detection of Salmonella spp in all human and animal food products, and environmental samples. This certification is according to the new ISO 16140 standard, an international standard widely recognized in Europe and with parallels to the AOAC validation system.

iQ-Check Salmonella is part of a new generation of DNA-based tests for the rapid detection of food pathogens. Based on real-time PCR, a specific gene of Salmonella spp is amplified and detected simultaneously by an automated system, eliminating any extra detection steps after amplification. An internal control is present in each reaction, validating the presence or absence of inhibitory factors, and ensuring reliability of negative results. iQ-Check accurately detects Salmonella spp in raw ingredients, finished products and environmental samples, after 24 hours of pre-enrichment, a significant time-saving compared to the reference method (ISO 6579:2002).

In addition to iQ-Check, Bio-Rad's first generation PCR tests, PROBELIA™ Salmonella and PROBELIA Listeria monocytogenes, are available since 1996 and are already AFNOR validated tests. These reagents complement the range of instruments for PCR and real-time PCR, also available from Bio-Rad.

The validation of iQ-Check Salmonella reinforces Bio-Rad's commitment to developing new solutions for food manufacturers. Bio-Rad offers a wide range of products for Diagnostics in Industrial microbiology, from classical methods to the most innovative, such as iQ-Check Salmonella.