Author
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WESLEY, IRENE |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/17/2007 Publication Date: 6/17/2007 Citation: Wesley, I.V. 2007. Utilization of PCR to detect Salmonella on turkey carcasses [abstract]. IX Latin American Congress of Microbiology and Food Hygiene. Paper No. 143. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The risk which is presented by food-borne pathogens to the consumer demonstrates the need to utilize rapid methods for the detection of these microbes. This study compared conventional microbiology with the application of PCR assays to detect Salmonella on turkey carcasses at a processing plant in the United States. The samples were taken before and after the carcasses entered the chill tank. Of a total of 300 samples evaluated, conventional methods produced results which were more dependable, but required more time. In contrast, PCR screening as soon as 4 hours of enrichment but more reliably after 8 to 24 hours of enrichment, indicated Salmonella contamination. Conventional microbiological methods were indispensable in this study to evaluate molecular based assays. Nevertheless, the PCR assays are more economical in terms of analysis time, technician time, and use of the resultant information with processing plants. This allows us to suggest that the molecular method should be incorporated into any evaluation to insure that food is microbiologically safe. |
