STEC Testing

“Big Six”non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli

Evaluation Process

As part of AEGIS FOOD TESTING LABORATORIES (AFTL) commitment
to providing valuable services and solutions to our clients, AFTL actively

participated in the evaluation and onboarding of rapid detection systems

for the “Big Six”non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

 

During this extended evaluation process, AFTL worked in partnership with a large, beef processor to carefully examine the performance characteristics of two, DNA-based detection systems:

      1. DuPont Qualicon BAX System (pre-commercial)
      2. BioControl GDS

This opportunity has given AFTL a better understanding of the dynamics of each system with regard to sample enrichment, diagnostic evaluation and data analysis. Rapid screening results for non-O157 STEC relative to product disposition have been analyzed according to protocols published in the USDA-FSIS Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) Chapter 5B.00, “Detection and Isolation of non-O157 Shiga-Toxin Producing Escherichia coli Strains (STEC) from Meat Products.” Since naturally occurring microorganisms other than the "Big Six" can also contain targets that are detected by the rapid screening tests, yielding what can be classified as “false positive”, it is necessary to conduct cultural confirmation as described in the USDA-FSIS Method 5B.00, which can be an expensive and inefficient process.

 

non-O157 Evaluation Results

As a result of this evaluation process, the AFTL team of Ph.D level Microbiologists has succeeded in optimizing cultural confirmation techniques for the isolation and identification of non-O157 STEC using a series of routine, commercial samples and “spiked” positive control samples.

 

Cost Effective, non-O157 STEC System is Now Available

AEGIS FOOD TESTING LAB's rapid food testing system is now available to deliver to our clients, efficient and cost effective solutions that address the new USDA compliance standards.

 

For more information on how we can help you meet the required USDA compliance regulations, please email Wendy Warren, Ph.D. wwarren@aegisfoodlabs.com