Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Fall 1997 - Vol 2 no 1

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At the Retail/Food Service Level: Quick Test for E. Coli Bacteria

According to USDA scientists, the food industry will soon be able to quickly and accurately detect the presence of E. coli bacteria in meat, produce and other products.

The test, described as similar in method to a home pregnancy test, can determine the presence of a dangerous strain of E. coli within five to 10 minutes instead of 48 hours or more, said USDA scientist Dan Laster.

"We think this will encourage more testing of meat and other foods because it is such a simple process," said Laster, who helped developed the test. The test is being marketed by Meridian Diagnostics Inc. of Cincinnati, the company that helped USDA develop the test.

The company also plans to apply for Food and Drug Administration approval for consumer uses beyond the wholesale food industry, perhaps even in private homes, said Meridian Chairman William J. Motto. "In theory, you could use it anywhere," Motto said. Some current E. coli tests work as rapidly as the new test, but are not as accurate. And those that are as accurate take longer and cost more, officials said.

In general, the tests would be used this way: A sample of fluid from meat or produce, for example, water used to wash strawberries, would be placed in a plastic well. A color would immediately appear indicating that the test was done properly. Then within a few minutes, a sec

Companies usually test samples from a batch of meat or produce to check for harmful bacteria in the entire lot. The USDA eventually hopes to develop similar tests that can be used on animals before they are slaughtered for food.

Source: AP News Release, August 14, 1997.

Updated Monday, August 29, 2011