Certus starts R&D on environmental Salmonella assay

The test will use the same proprietary Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technology and instrument platform as the Certus EL ​test for Listeria which is set for launch early this year.

The EL​ assay used in the Certus system is currently seeking AOAC validation. Read our in-depth interview with the company here​​.

Certus said end-user benefits will include simple workflow, on-site testing capabilities, real-time growth monitoring, immediate alerts upon detection and bio-containment for safety of the food processor and consumer.

John Coomes, Certus president, said it is committed to developing tools to help producers protect consumers from dangerous pathogens.

“Salmonella continues to plague the food industry in large numbers, so we’re excited to develop an in-house solution for small and mid-sized food processing plants and address a true need in the market,” ​he said.

“Our customers will realize greater value with the Certus system now that they will be able to run both environmental Listeria and Salmonella in the same instrument.” ​

Reagent R&D is in collaboration with Solus Scientific, a UK-based food pathogen assay developer.

The Salmonella assay is being designed to run in a single enrichment media, homogeneous no wash format with a target time-to-result of less than 24 hours

Certus said no sample manipulation is required and the assay tube never has to be opened once the sampling swab is inserted.

The assay will be delivered in a Bio-Lock tube/cap design that cannot be opened after enrichment begins, securing the environment from accidental contamination.