Smiths Detection announces AOAC certification of listeria assay

Breakthrough pathogen identifier gives food and beverage companies new, rapid solution to ensure food safety

EDGEWOOD, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, was granted an AOAC INTERNATIONAL Performance Test Method^SM (PTM) program certification number 122005 for its Listeria CANARY^® assay. The assay, used in the company’s Zephyr pathogen identifier, gives food and beverage companies a new, rapid solution to screen and protect against dangerous pathogens that are a common contaminate of concern in food-processing environments.

The Listeria assay was validated through the AOAC PTM Program, an independent, third party review which examines robustness, product consistency, stability, instrument variation and matrix studies. PTM confirmed that the assay met all required metrics for certification. Results also demonstrated high specificity and selectivity in rapid identification of various Listeria species using CANARY technology, a revolutionary pathogen detection technology that combines the sensitivity of PCR with the speed of Lateral Flow.

Andrew Flannery, VP Product Development, Smiths Detection said, “The listeria assay is based on CANARY^® technology, a cell-based biosensor that makes rapid testing for biological threats possible and eliminates the need for laboratory analysis; it is proven to identify a range of threat agents including emerging viruses, toxins and bacteria.”

Zephyr is used in conjunction with agent specific kits to screen various matrices for the presence of harmful pathogens, including foodborne pathogens and bio-warfare agents like Anthrax. For more information on Zephyr click here.

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About AOAC International

AOAC INTERNATIONAL brings together government, industry, and academia to establish standard methods of analysis that ensure the safety and integrity of foods and other products that impact public health around the world.

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security markets. Our experience and history across more than 40 years at the frontline, enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.

Our goal is simple – to provide security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends.

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com/