Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 1:30 PM
S93

Selection, optimization, and validation of rapid methods for the detection of spoilage organisms in industrial and food microbiology

Jason Lilly, Neogen Corporation, 620 Lesher PL, Lansing, MI 48912

In recent months, the mass media has created a heighted sense of awareness surrounding food product safety, especially around microbial contamination.    While human health and safety surrounding food products drives the majority of regulatory mandates and company policies, a larger issue is the economic impact of spoilage organisms on industrial and food products.   Recent market research suggests that of all food microbiology testing conducted more than 75% is focused on the detection and analysis of microorganisms that do not pose a human health threat.   Spoilage organisms of greatest concern include yeasts, molds, lactic acid bacteria, as well as other extremophiles.  Unlike typical food borne pathogens which can be analyzed, even with traditional culture methods, within three to four days, spoilage organisms often require a minimum of 5 days and often in excess of 10 days to identify.  In addition, due to their unique growth requirements require specialized media and culture conditions.    The business argument for rapid microbiological methods for the analysis of spoilage organisms is often based upon shortening the supply chain and improving efficiency; however it important to select the right method for your both product and organism of interest.   Our experience is that there is no single system that will meet the demands of the multifaceted industrial microbiology laboratory.   This presentation will focus upon selection, optimization, and validation of rapid methods with an emphasis on lactic acid bacteria.


Web Page: www.neogen.com

See more of Recent trends in food safety and protection
See more of Invited Oral Papers

See more of The Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2009 (July 26 - 30, 2009)