Qualicon Finds a Quicker Way to Really ‘See’ Seafood

DuPont Qualicon has a new BAX® system assay that seafood processors and government laboratories can use to detect Vibrio in less than 24 hours. The BAX® system real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for Vibrio detects even low levels of three distinct species from the same sample.

Vibrio are bacteria typically found in saltwater and unsanitary drinking water, and several species are pathogenic in humans. Consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, clams and scallops, can cause foodborne illness.

Tested on shrimp, tuna, oysters, scallops and crab, the BAX® system delivers reliable, differentiated results in less than one day, and its performance is equivalent to or better than the reference culture method, which typically takes three to five days.

“DuPont Qualicon is constantly finding ways to make food testing faster, more accurate and more convenient,” said Michael Chong, business manager, DuPont Qualicon, Asia Pacific. “A 20-hour test for Vibrio will certainly improve operational efficiencies for seafood companies. And that will allow them to make product release decisions more quickly and with confidence.”