Alaska Food Diagnostics has launched fastrAK™ Salmonella, a groundbreaking ultra-rapid testing system for food manufacturers that provides results in 18 hours from sample receipt. The availability of results 6 hours earlier than with comparable methods effectively creates a working day advantage that can lead to cost savings on product storage and supply chain logistics.

Based at the UK government's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down, Alaska's team of world class scientists has exploited patented Adenylate Kinase (AK) Phage™ technology to develop the highly sensitive and specific fastrAK™ rapid assay system. The system shares the proven core technology of the clinical microbial detection platform just acquired by a high profile blue chip multinational.

fastrAK™ Salmonella combines novel technology with established culture and immunomagnetic methods, and has been thoroughly tested and validated by leading reference centres. Head of Microbiology R&D Dr Pradip Patel explained: "The time to result for this assay is a real breakthrough, together with its accuracy. We are confident it will make a significant impact in the drive for improved food safety standards”.

Sample pre-enrichment for 16 hours can be initiated throughout the day, ready for testing the next morning. After just two hours, products with known QC results can be shipped in time to meet the rigorous shelf life requirements of the processed, ready-to-eat poultry market. This rapid technique assists food manufacturers with in-process HACCP decisions and allows them to offer greater security and quality assurance to the 'farm to fork' supply chain.