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29 July 2003

SIMPLE RAPID FOOD TEST TO COMBAT RISE IN LISTERIOSIS

A recent issue of CDR Weekly 1 showed that Listeriosis is on the increase in certain parts of the UK and the Health Protection Agency has urged vigilance to combat this increase. A simple rapid food test from Oxoid is an easy and cost effective tool that food manufacturers can use to ensure that their products are free from this food-borne pathogen.

The Oxoid Listeria Rapid Test ( OLRT ) is designed for the detection of Listeria species in foods and environmental samples within 43 hours . Using the simple test protocol, a negative result can be available in as little as two working days after the sample is received in the testing laboratory. The procedure uses two carefully selected enrichment steps for the maximum recovery and growth of Listeria followed by an immunoassay in a lateral flow format. A heat-treated portion of the broth enrichment is added to the simple assay. A clear visual result is available in 20 minutes. No further manipulations are required.

The OLRT detects Listeria species (with the exception of the non-pathogenic Listeria grayi subsp . grayi and subsp . murrayi ), it is not species specific. Therefore, it is a good indicator test for final product, raw material and environmental testing. This will be a useful addition to HACCP plans.

For more information contact Val Kane, Oxoid Ltd, telephone:+44 (0) 1256 841144, fax: +44 (0) 1256 329728 or email: val.kane@oxoid.com.