SDI's RapidChek E. Coli O157 Test System First to Be Validated By an Independent Lab for Composite Testing of Common Types of Raw Beef Products

The third-party validation study was performed with RapidChek E. coli O157 test strips for detection of E. coli O157 (Including H7) in composited 375g beef trim, ground beef, and ammoniated beef samples. The results were compared to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) reference method. All samples were confirmed using biochemical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA MLG (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 when incubated at 42˚C and using a 1:5 sample to media dilution factor, in 375g ground beef samples in as little as 12 hours when incubated at 42˚C and in 375g ammoniated beef samples in as few as 18 hours when incubated at 42˚C. The study also demonstrated the ability to verify RapidChek E. coli O157 potential positive results directly from the RapidChek media system with commercially available DNA-based methods followed by further confirmation with biochemical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA MLG. The validation study was conducted by Food Safety Net Services of San Antonio, TX.

Tim Lawruk, SDI Food Safety Marketing Manager, said, "There is an increasing amount of beef being consumed in the U.S. and more than 138 million tests conducted globally each year to test for the presence of pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 in food products. That is why improving productivity and accuracy of tests is a major goal of the food testing industry. The RapidChek test system was designed to offer several advantages over competitive testing methods, including higher accuracy, faster results, and reduced testing costs. This study represents independent, empirical data and validation to support these benefits for our customers."

Fran DiNuzzo, President and CEO of SDI, added, "We are pleased with the results of this independent validation of our testing solutions as it provides us and our customers the confidence needed to broadly employ the SDI RapidChek and RapidChek SELECT products as our customers implement their comprehensive safety programs. This study is another example of how SDI is partnering with Food Safety customers to help them ensure their products are as safe as possible.