Research Publications (Food Safety)

Background The candidate method, SMARTCHEK Salmonella spp. Detection Kit assay is designed for rapid detection of Salmonella spp. in select food matrixes, for use in conjunction with the Genesystems Rapi:chipTM and GENECHECKER UF-300 real-time PCR system. Objective The independent laboratory evaluation consisted of an inclusivity and exclusivity study, product consistency study, robustness study, stability study, and a matrix study.

Background Alternaria toxins are ubiquitous contaminants in highly consumed food products. Therefore, they are candidates to be regulated by EU legislation. In this context, the availability of reliable analytical methods is a keystone both for protecting the health of citizens and smooth functioning of the European market.

Background Exposure of Apis mellifera to neonicotinoid insecticides is one of the factors attributed to the recent decline in A. mellifera populations resulting in economic and ecological losses due to loss of pollination services. Honeybees can get exposed to neonicotinoids like imidacloprid directly in the field at the time of application as well as during consumption of pollen and nectar from treated plants.

Background Natural contamination with mycotoxins in dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) as a mainstream animal feed ingredient poses a risk to animal health. Objective A regulatory method was needed for the agency to simultaneously detect 11 mycotoxins of high regulatory priority in DDGS. Methods A DDGS sample (10 g) was extracted twice with acetonitrile-water under mildly acidic condition.

Background In Guangdong Province of China, the climate is very wet, so there are many different fungi living in aquatic feeds, which produce mycotoxins. These compounds contaminate agricultural products worldwide and present a great threat to human health. It is necessary to determine their contamination level in aquatic feeds.

Background At present, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in agricultural and forestry production. PGRs, like traditional pesticides, have certain toxicities. Naively excessively applying them will cause the acute and chronic poisoning of humans and animals and potentially harm human health.

Background The Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Salmonella species PCR Assay utilizes Solaris™ reagents for performing PCR for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella species in a broad range of foods and select environmental surfaces. Objective The aims were to demonstrate the reproducibility of the Thermo Scientific SureTect Salmonella species PCR Assay in a collaborative study using a challenging matrix, cocoa powder, and to extend the scope of the method.

Background The PhageDx™ Listeria Assay is a simple, specific, and sensitive assay based on the infection of Listeria spp. by selected bacteriophages and the resultant expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 24.5 h for stainless steel and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Background The PhageDx™Cronobacter Assay is based on the infection of Cronobacter spp. by specific bacteriophages and expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 18.5 h for powdered infant formula (PIF). Objective An AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) study was conducted to validate the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay for the detection of Cronobacter in 10, 100, and 300 g milk- and soy-based PIF test portions.

Background The PhageDx™Salmonella Assay is based on the infection of Salmonella spp. by specific bacteriophages and expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 9.5 h for raw ground turkey and 18.5 h for milk-based powdered infant formula (PIF).

Background Campylobacter spp. are a major causal agent for diarrheal illness in humans. Detection of Campylobacter spp. in food is critical to reduce foodborne illness, and to provide safe foods. Objective The aim was to evaluate the Atlas Campylobacter Detection Assay for AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM certification for detecting C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari in foods after 12 h enrichment.

Background The wide usage of tetracyclines in livestock farming may result in drug residues in foods. Therefore, it is necessary to develop reliable methods for the determination of tetracyclines in foods. Objective A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with HPLC method was developed for the analysis of six tetracyclines in eggs and chicken.

Background The testing of aflatoxins (AFs) in fresh and processed foods is highly in demand to comply with trade regulations. Consequently, commercial laboratories face huge AF sample loads in food consignments. Worldwide, there is a rising interest in implementing automation to increase sample throughput in AF analysis.