AOAC Awards Approval To FoodChekTM-E. Coli O157 Test For 375g Sample

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 04 Mar 2010 - 3:00 PDT

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FoodChek Systems Inc. ("FoodChek") (formerly Vacci-Test Corporation) is pleased to announce that the AOAC Research Institute, the approval body for all U.S. food safety tests, has approved a modification to its existing FoodChek™-E. coli O157 test for a 25g sample to that of the industry-standard sample size of 375g for detecting E. coli O157 in raw ground beef. This extended AOAC approval also includes the 65g and 325g composited sample sizes.

FoodChek™-E. coli O157 continues to demonstrate superior sensitivity to the USDA's zero-tolerance requirement by detecting 1 colony-forming unit in a 375g sample of ground beef. With the larger 375g sample size, FoodChek has once again proven that its test is fast and accurate, yet simple and cost-effective for detecting E. coli O157 in less than 8 hours (including enrichment time).

William J. Hogan, President & CEO, stated "The AOAC's 375g ground beef sample approval for FoodChek™-E. coli O157 provides meat processors significant operational benefits including the ability to improve on 'Process Control' issues and allow same-shift product release, thereby eliminating expensive holding costs. The superior speed and accuracy of our E. coli O157 test will enable meat processors to achieve their goal of detecting the pathogen in raw material and finished products, if it is there."

About AOAC

The AOAC Research Institute, a subsidiary of AOAC International, is an independent non-profit corporation whose stated purpose is to promote and carry out activities related to the development, improvement, and understanding of analytical practices and procedures affecting public health and welfare.

Source
FoodChek Systems Inc.

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