Development of an ELISA based detection system for C.botulinum toxin

As part of our C.botulinum challenge test service we need to test for growth of the organism ad production of C.botulinum toxin. There is no off-the-shelf kit for this and on a previous methods project we developed an in-house ELISA test. Our goal is to get UKAS accreditation for this ELISA test to give a USP for our challenge testing services but further development needs to be done before this can occur. The ELISA was developed for type B and E toxin only and needs to be expanded to type F. Also it was developed on cooked and raw meats only and needs to be tested for other product types e.g. eggs and dairy, plant based foods, fishery products to show it is fit for purpose for the wide range of products we are currently challenge testing.