SDIX (Strategic Diagnostics Inc), a provider of biotechnology-based products and services for a range of life science, biotechnology, diagnostic, and food safety applications, has commercially launched the RapidChek SELECT Salmonella Enteritidis testing system.
This system was designed in coordination with experts in egg safety and is applicable to both egg and poultry industries. However, it will specifically help US commercial egg producers comply with the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation that requires them to test poultry houses and eggs for Salmonella Enteritidis.
The new FDA rule took effect July 9, 2010 for commercial egg producers with more than 50,000 laying hens and becomes effective July 9, 2012 for egg producers with between 3,000 and 49,999 laying hens. This rule will affect approximately 4,000 commercial egg producers in the United States. It is estimated that 47 billion eggs are consumed annually in the nation, and according to reports from the USDA and FDA, there are 2.3 million eggs annually contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
RapidChek SELECT is an easy, accurate, flexible, and rapid food pathogen detection technology. It combines the simplicity of advanced immuno-based detection system with SDIX’s patented phage-based enrichment media to enhance both the specificity and sensitivity of the test and to enable improved pathogen detection. The system is designed to:
•Make it easier to comply with the new FDA rule—easy to learn and use, fast results, detection for a better overall picture of hen house cleanliness, layer health, and egg safety.
•Help minimize disruption to daily operations—high accuracy virtually eliminates false positives. Ease of use and speed to results reduce workflow impacts.
•Help minimize costs—reduces training, labor, and operating costs.
RapidChek SELECT has been evaluated at several large egg producers and independent testing laboratories during development to ensure it meets customer needs. Validation work has already begun, and the company expects to submit the system to the FDA, AOAC RI, and NPIP for approval and certification during the second half of 2010.
The testing system consists of the RapidChek SELECT detection system for screening environmental drag swags or pooled eggs and the RapidChek CONFIRM immunomagnetic separation system for confirmation.
Visit www.sdix.com for more information.
