Strategic Diagnostics Inc. have announced that its recently improved RapidChek® E. coli O157 (including H7) System has earned Performance-Tested Methods^SM certification from the AOAC Research Institute (License Number # 070801) for testing composite samples of raw beef including ground beef and boneless beef trim.

Reacting to testing and sampling protocol changes in the beef industry, this third-party validation study was performed with the RapidChek E. coli O157 test system for detection of E. coli O157 (Including H7) in composited 375g beef trim and ground beef samples. The results were compared to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) reference method.

All samples were confirmed using biochemical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA MLG 5.04 (Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook). RapidChek E. coli O157 was shown to reliably detect E. coli O157 (Including H7) in 375g beef trim samples in as few as 10 hours using a 1:5 sample to media dilution factor and in 375g ground beef samples in as little as 12 hours.

The study also demonstrated the ability to verify RapidChek E. coli O157 potential positive results with commercially available DNA-based methods directly from the RapidChek media system followed by further confirmation with biochemical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA MLG 5.04.

Tim Lawruk, SDI Food Safety Marketing Manager, said, “With the recent announcements of E. coli O157:H7 contamination in beef products, SDI has been working with leaders in the beef industry and regulatory agencies to understand testing requirements based on new sampling practices and industry testing concerns. The newly improved AOAC-certified RapidChek E. coli O157 test system, which includes improved materials and reagents, is designed to offer several advantages over competitive testing methods, including greater accuracy, faster results, reduced testing costs, and increased confidence in test results. This certification also confirms SDI´s commitment to provide the food market with superior, DB1/63391734.2 complete pathogen testing solutions that provide rapid and accurate results.”