In the food industry, Salmonella stands
out as a notorious problem, causing a widespread bacterial infection known as
salmonellosis. This genus of bacteria poses a significant public health threat
globally, responsible for approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500
hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually in the United States alone1.
In Europe, Salmonella remains a significant concern as in
2022, there were 65,967 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis in the EU2.
The notification rate was 15.5 cases per 100,000 population being the second
most reported gastrointestinal disorder in the EU. Symptoms include
gastroenteritis, abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, myalgia, headache,
nausea and vomiting2. These numbers highlight the importance of
vigilance and proper food safety practices to prevent outbreaks and protect
public health. The release of contaminated foods can lead to severe
consequences such as processing delays, product recalls, plant shutdowns, and
even legal actions.
Food sources of Salmonella included mainly
milk, eggs, meat (poultry, beef) vegetables, and fresh fruits. Recent outbreaks
highlight the ongoing risks. In 2024, a multistate outbreak in the United
States linked to fresh basil resulted in numerous illnesses3.
Similarly, a 2023 outbreak associated with raw cookie dough led to significant
public health concerns4. In 2022, nearly 200 people in the EU and UK
fell ill due to a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated
food products, with several hospitalizations and at least one death5.
Consumers can protect themselves from Salmonella contamination
by practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water before
and after handling food, after using the bathroom, and after touching animals
or their environments6. It is also important to regularly clean
kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water. Safe food
handling is crucial; this includes keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs
separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination, cooking foods to the
appropriate temperatures (for example, poultry should be cooked to an internal
temperature of 165°F or 74°C), and refrigerating or freezing perishable foods
within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F or 32°C).
The financial toll on food companies can be immense,
impacting revenue, reputation, stock value, and overall profitability. To
mitigate these risks, timely and accurate testing for Salmonella in
food products is paramount. Implementing rigorous testing protocols not only
helps in preventing outbreaks but also ensures consumer trust and safety.
Challenges of Traditional Methods: Bacterial Culture
& Immunoassays
Historically, Salmonella spp. testing in the
food industry has relied on labor-intensive and time-consuming methods such as
culture-based and immunoassay techniques. Culture-based methods, while
considered the gold standard and reference method, involve lengthy incubation
periods—sometimes up to 5 days—before results are obtained. Moreover, the
interpretation of results from culture-based tests can be subjective,
introducing potential errors.
Similarly, immunoassay methods, while faster than
culture-based techniques, still have limitations. These methods can take up to
2 days to yield results and may lack specificity due to interference from
antibody binding.
Why is Real Time PCR a promising alternative in Food
Microbiology ?
Considering these drawbacks, the application of rapid
microbiology methods, specifically DNA testing using Real-Time PCR, has emerged
as a game-changer in Salmonella spp. detection.
1.Improved Sensitivity (LOD)
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology offers
a rapid and highly reliable method for detecting low levels of Salmonella in
a wide range of food types with exceptional specificity. Real-Time PCR works by
amplifying the DNA of the target pathogen — in this case, Salmonella —
with remarkable sensitivity.
2. Lower Turnaround Time (TAT)
PCR-based methods can detect Salmonella DNA
within hours, significantly reducing the time required for verdict. This rapid
turnaround is crucial for timely decision-making in food safety management,
allowing for quicker responses to potential contamination events and reducing
the risk of widespread outbreaks. PCR methods are highly sensitive and
specific, capable of detecting even low levels of Salmonella in
various sample types, including food, water, and environmental samples7.
Moreover, PCR-based testing enhances the accuracy of Salmonella detection.
Traditional methods can sometimes yield false negatives due to the presence of
competing microorganisms or suboptimal growth conditions. PCR circumvents these
issues by directly targeting the genetic material of Salmonella,
ensuring reliable detection7.
Implementing Real Time PCR with accredited method
equivalence
The adoption of rapid microbiology methods, such as PCR,
requires however rigorous validation and certification to ensure their
reliability and acceptance. Third-party certification plays a crucial role in
this process. Certification bodies, such as MicroVal and AOAC INTERNATIONAL,
provide independen validation of these methods according to international
standards like EN ISO 161408. This validation process ensure that
PCR methods meet stringent criteria for accuracy, sensitivity, and
reproducibility. This involves rigorous evaluations, including
inclusivity/exclusivity testing, product consistency, stability, robustness,
and matrix studies. This certification not only enhances the credibility of the
testing methods but also provides companies and laboratories with confidence in
their testing protocols, ultimately helping to protect public health and
maintain consumer trust.
InviScreen Salmonella spp detection kit:
a game-changer for food safety
The InviScreen Salmonella spp detection kit is
specifically designed for the qualitative detection of Salmonella spp.
in food samples. This top-tier molecular biology solution offers laboratories
and researchers a fast, easy-to-use, and complete kit for detecting Salmonella spp.
across various food categories as an alternative for ISO 6579. The method
includes a streamlined one-step pre-enrichment process, fast DNA extraction in
less than 20 minutes, and complete detection in under 10 hours for most
matrices. The InviScreen® method is certified by AOAC-Research Institute under
the Performance Tested MethodsSM Program.
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AOAC-validated Real-Time PCR for fast Salmonella spp.
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Embracing the future, reliably
In the realm of food safety, the importance of rapid and
accurate testing for Salmonella cannot be overstated.
Embracing innovative technologies like Real-Time PCR empowers food companies
and testing laboratories to proactively mitigate the risks posed by this
harmful foodborne pathogen. By leveraging the speed, accuracy, and efficiency
of Real-Time PCR, businesses can uphold their commitment to quality and safety
while safeguarding both consumer health and their bottom line.