RapidChek E. coli O157
SDIX offers validated rapid tests to detect E. coli O157 (including H7):
The perfect solution for companies looking to improve their HACCP programs and truly monitor their plant’s hygiene. Validated for detecting E. coli O157 (including H7) in raw beef samples ranging from 25-375 grams in size. The system is simple, reliable, affordable and one of the fastest screening systems available.
E. coli O157:H7 is an important human pathogen that has been linked to numerous food borne outbreaks. It has therefore been regulated by USDA FSIS under directive 10.010.1 as an adulterant if present in raw beef products.
If E. coli O157:H7 is the regulated pathogen, then why as a beef processor should I implement an E. coli O157 (including H7) screen such as the RapidChek E. coli Test System in addition to a screen specific for the adulterant, E. coli O157:H7?
It Provides an Early Indication of Potential Fecal Contamination Risk in Your Plant
A positive result on RapidChek or another E. coli O157 specific method is not a reportable event as long as this first screen is followed by a second screen to verify the presence or absence of H7 in the sample. If the sample comes back to be not positive for H7, it is not a false positive. It is simply an E. coli
O157 bacteria that is not H7. This valuable information allows you as a
beef processor to then be pro-active in finding a plant hygiene issue
and implementing interventions before potentially experiencing an E. coli O157:H7 positive, which is a reportable event.
The Protocol is AOAC Validated (License Number 070801)
If a RapidChek potential positive result should occur, the same enrichment can immediately be tested for the presence of H7 with several of the commercially available H7-specific PCR assays.
The Protocol Saves You Money
By implementing the RapidChek E. coli O157 (including H7) screen, you will only have to run RapidChek positives on the more expensive and labor intensive PCR based method. By implementing the RapidChek method, your company is given the opportunity to reduce testing costs but at the same time increase the amount of valuable information regarding the effectiveness of your plants' sanitation and HACCP processes.
RapidChek E. coli O157 (including H7) is an effective way to optimize your plant’s E. coli O157:H7 risk management practices. It is particularly a well suited system for companies who want to improve their HACCP program on an ongoing basis and truly monitor their plant’s hygiene, ultimately helping to increase the safety of their products. To use a method where only E.coli O157:H7 is detected is to deny yourself the opportunity to know about a problem area early on when it can be corrected and a potential detrimental event avoided.