A molecular detection assay for Listeria monocytogenes has been approved by the AOAC Performance Test Methods

(PTM) program. Developed by 3M Food Safety, the assay is based on isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection technologies. With a streamlined workflow that is 30% faster than the first generation assay, the new test is designed to provide expedited, simple and more accurate real-time pathogen detection.

Obtaining AOAC PTM status involved a thorough independent lab examination of the test method’s ability to accurately detect Listeria monocytogenes within a variety of foods. During the validation study, analyzed food samples included beef hot dogs, queso fresco cheese, vanilla ice cream, 4 % milk fat cottage cheese, 3% chocolate whole milk, romaine lettuce, bagged raw spinach, cold smoked salmon, deli turkey, raw chicken, cantaloupe, and various environmental surfaces (plastic, stainless steel, concrete). Achieving AOAC PTM approval certifies that the test kit is equivalent or better than standard reference methods, according to 3M Food Safety.