Two new PCR assays from DuPont Qualicon have received AFNOR certification as alternative methods for detecting Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes. These BAX® system 24E assays, developed in collaboration with Oxoid, Ltd., use optimized enrichment media to provide next-day test results from food and environmental samples.

AFNOR Certification is an internationally recognized European system that validates food-testing methods according to the EN ISO 16140 protocol. The AFNOR validation mark certifies that a multi-phase validation study by approved expert laboratories demonstrated equivalent results between the alternative test method and the traditional standardized method. This certification meets all the requirements of European regulation 2073/2005 relating to microbiological criteria applicable to food.

“Our goal is to help food companies improve their productivity and profitability with fast, accurate diagnostic tests,” says Doris Engesser-Sudlow, EMEA business leader for DuPont Qualicon. “The AFNOR VALIDATION mark provides another level of highly credible assurance that they can use the BAX® system for quick, convenient and reliable results.”

The company also announced the approval of BAX™ system by ROSPOTEBNADZOR for use in Russia.