With only two PCR reactions, the Shiga toxins (stx1, stx2), the adherence factor intimin (eae) and the eight most important STEC serogroups can be detected and individually identified

Potsdam – We are pleased to announce that our foodproof STEC Screening LyoKit and STEC Identification LyoKit in combination with our extraction kit, StarPrep Three, have now received AOAC-RI Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) Certification (Certificate No. 102004). The rigorous evaluation, which was conducted with raw ground beef and raw beef trim, was found to meet the appropriate standard for its intended use.

“Our core business is to provide food and beverage safety solutions to reduce the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC or VTEC), such as E. coli O157, E. coli O145 or E. coli O104 are known to cause diseases such as diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and the potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is something we take very seriously and we have made it our mission to help our customers in any way we can to build brand trust and loyalty. With this AOAC approval, we highlight the reliability and high level performance of our STEC screening and identification methods,” said Dr. Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics.

The BIOTECON Diagnostics’ foodproof STEC Screening and Identification LyoKits were validated in comparison to the reference method USDA-FSIS MLG 5C.00. The foodproof STEC method successfully detected STEC in fresh raw ground beef and fresh raw beef trim after 8 and 22 ± 2 h incubation time for 25 g test portions; and after 12 and 22 ± 2 h incubation time for 375 g test portions. Furthermore, when using the mTSB enrichment medium there was no need for additional antibiotics. This rapid workflow with only two PCR tests ultimately leads to cost-savings and opens up good opportunities for the food sector, especially the meat industry, to generate new sales. Finally, the STEC screening and identification method, with its open platform, is AOAC-RI PTM validated on the following cyclers: LightCycler^® 480, LightCycler^® 96, AriaMx, CFX96 and ABI 7500 fast, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility.

“We are proud that our assays continue to be recognized by this globally acknowledged agency. AOAC approvals have a reputation for the highest standards of excellence and thorough analysis. Such independent assessments give us the assurance we need to continue safeguarding our customers’ businesses and protecting end consumers by providing trusted, reliable testing products to the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, this new certification also demonstrates our commitment to producing easy-to-use, rapid, molecular biological solutions that improve lab productivity while achieving outstanding results,” concluded Dr. Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics.

About BIOTECON Diagnostics
At BIOTECON Diagnostics, our vision is to constantly strive to make the planet a better and safer place. We imagine a world where no one gets sick from the food, drink or products they consume. Situated in Potsdam, Germany, our story began more than 20 years ago, seeking to put an end to foodborne diseases. Today, we have become one of the pioneers in designing products for food and beverage safety excellence and continue to expand into new areas of testing. Our team of highly qualified experts excels in providing first-in-class, innovative rapid molecular solutions for DNA/RNA extraction and the detection of a wide range of test parameters based on real-time PCR.