TNO’s rapid and culture independent Campylobacter test offers hope to the Dutch poultry slaughter industry. The sector has signed an agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Public Health to reduce contamination of poultry meat by this disease-causing micro-organism.
The Campylobacter test uses a specific DNA marker for these bacteria. The detection system is largely automated, using a robot for sample preparation prior to PCR investigation. The system provides a reliable quantitative result within only two hours. A wide variety of samples can be used, including swab samples, meat and faeces. The system can handle almost a hundred samples simultaneously.
Maximum threshold
The test could help to improve food safety in the Dutch poultry-slaughter industry. Early in 2011 the industry signed an agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Public Health to keep contamination levels below a maximum threshold. Consumption of Campylobacter-contaminated poultry meat can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Improving hygiene during slaughter should result in a reduction in contamination incidents.
TNO’s Campylobacter test gives guidance in taking hygiene measures during the slaughter process. Examples include bird-intake testing at the pre-slaughter stage via caecal fluid, faeces testing, production-process environment testing, and the testing of meat for the presence of the disease-causing micro-organisms.
For more information please contact TNO.
