Automated Conductance Method for the Detection of Salmonella in Foods: Collaborative Study

Abstract

Seventeen laboratories participated in a collaborative study to validate an automated conductance method for the rapid detection of Salmonella in food. The conductance method was compared with the standard BAM/AOAC method for the Isolation of Salmonella. Media for the conductance method were supplied In ready-to-use, disposable, singleuse cells of a novel, unique design. Samples of coconut, fish meal, prawns, nonfat dried milk, liquid egg, and minced beef were artificially contaminated with different Salmonella serotypes to 2 target levels of 1-5 cells/25 g and 10-50 cells/25 g. Each participating laboratory tested 10 contaminated and 5 noncontaminated samples per product. Results showed no significant difference between BAM/AOAC and conductance methods. The conductance method was adopted by AOAC International as a first action method.