Rapid detection methods for foodborne pathogens have been significantly used by the food industry for their routine testing programs for more than 25 years. Meantime, the food industry has required higher specificity and sensitivity for these methods. Detection technologies have moved from single target to multi-target assays in order to enhance assay specificity towards the most virulent bacterial genera/species and to reduce the risk of detection of non-target bacteria. Both DNA/RNA- and antibody-based assays are now offering multiplex detection systems, and can be used not only for detection but also identification/confirmation of bacterial isolates, contributing to facilitate and to shorten these latter steps. They may also be applied for the simultaneous detection of different pathogenic bacteria in foodstuff.

This session will present the state of the art of multiplex assay based methods in regards to their routine use for the detection and identification of foodborne pathogens. Field examples will illustrate the objectives of such assays, their workflow, their strengths and weaknesses for food testing in order lab operators and managers better the performances of those assays.

Presentations