Overview of Pathogen Testing

Importance of Pathogen Testing

• Critical to maintaining consumer trust and brand reputation.
• Foodborne outbreaks can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.
• The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) holds companies accountable for food safety.

Pathogen Testing Terms

• Indicator Organism: Used to indicate the presence of other microbes.
• Spoilage Organism: Microbes causing product degradation and foul odors.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Technique used for amplifying DNA to detect pathogens.
• Foodborne Illness: Illness caused by pathogens in the food production and consumption process.
• FSMA: Legislation focusing on preventing foodborne illnesses.

Common Pathogens in Food

• Salmonella: Bacteria often found in the intestines of animals; can survive outside the host.
• Listeria monocytogenes: Common in food processing environments; high mortality rate in certain populations.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): Some strains can cause severe illness and even kidney failure.
• Staphylococcus aureus: Commonly found on skin; produces heat-resistant toxins.
• Campylobacter species: Often from poultry and meat; symptoms can be severe in immunocompromised individuals.
• Bacillus cereus: Rapid growth in improper storage conditions; causes vomiting and diarrhea.
• Shigella species: Spread through water and poor sanitation; can lead to severe complications.
• Clostridium perfringens: Produces spores that survive in various environments.
• Cronobacter sakazakii: Risky for infants; found in powdered products.

Testing Methods for Pathogens

• Advanced Detection Platforms:
  • PCR (BACGene and BAX)
  • VIDAS
  • Molecular Detection System (MDS)
  • Veriflow
  • Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)
  • Traditional Cultural Methods

BACGene

• A PCR-based method developed by Eurofins.
• Advantages include reduced supply chain issues and improved turnaround times.

Enteric Pathogen Risk Indicator (EPRI)

• Complements BACGene.
• Provides rapid screening for Salmonella and Shiga toxigenic E. coli.
• Detects multiple Salmonella strains and STECs.

Traditional Cultural Methods

• Reliable but slower.
• Involves growth on media specific to target microbes.

Additional Resources

• Compare immunoassay vs. molecular methods.
• Explore pathogen risks in food handling and production.

For further information, contact Eurofins experts or download the white paper on pathogen testing.