AFNOR Certification has extended its validation of the DuPont BAX System method to include the latest BAX System X5 PCR assays for Salmonella (QUA 18/03-11/02) and E. coli O157:H7 (QUA 18/04-03/08). These validation extensions apply to the detection of Salmonella in all human and animal food products and production environments, and the detection of E. coli O157:H7 in raw meats, raw milk, fruits and vegetables.

“AFNOR Certification is particularly important to the European food industry, where validation according to ISO standards is a requirement before an alternative method can be adopted by food companies or contract testing laboratories,” said Hugo Gonzalez, EMEA sales leader for Diagnostics, DuPont Nutrition & Health. “Validation of the BAX System X5 by AFNOR Certification allows customers to use these assays to quickly and reliably detect Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 in their products with certainty.”

The DuPont BAX System X5 is an automated, PCR-based detection method that helps food companies, service laboratories and government agencies detect pathogens in raw ingredients, finished products and processing environments. The BAX System X5 is designed to offer fast, accurate and easy-to-use pathogen detection that customers expect from the DuPont BAX System, but in a smaller, lightweight construction to provide greater testing flexibility. BAX System X5 PCR assays also are available for detecting Listeria species and L. monocytogenes and have been certified by the AOAC Research Institute (AOAC-RI) as an accurate and reliable method for detection of these organisms in food and environmental samples.

AFNOR Certification is a European independent validation that analyzes alternative detection methods for the food industry based on the EN ISO 16140 standard. For complete details of BAX System validations by AFNOR Certification, visit http://nf-validation.afnor.org.

DuPont Nutrition & Health addresses the world’s challenges in food by offering a wide range of sustainable, bio-based ingredients and advanced molecular diagnostic solutions to provide safer, healthier and more nutritious food. Through close collaboration with customers, DuPont combines knowledge and experience with a passion for innovation to deliver unparalleled customer value to the marketplace. More information is available at www.food.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.