Salmonella spp.
Testing

We combine AOAC-validated PCR screening and FDA BAM cultural methods for definitive regulatory confirmation.

Focus

Salmonella spp. Detection

Method

Rapid PCR & Culture

Standard

FDA BAM / AOAC Validated

Precision Salmonella Detection & Food Safety

In the food industry, reliable Salmonella spp. testing is a non-negotiable aspect of Quality Assurance and regulatory compliance. Whether you are producing Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals, processing raw ingredients, or managing an environmental monitoring program, the risk of contamination must be managed with precision. AGT Labs provides rigorous microbiological analysis designed to meet FSMA and GFSI requirements.

Objectives of Salmonella spp. Testing

Key goals for a comprehensive food safety plan.

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Zero Tolerance Compliance

Ensure finished RTE products satisfy zero-tolerance policies requiring negative Salmonella spp. results.

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Ingredient Verification

Screen incoming raw materials such as spices, flour, and eggs to prevent introduction of pathogens.

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HACCP Validation

Validate that your thermal kill steps (cooking/pasteurization) are effective by testing post-process samples.

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Environmental Monitoring

Swab analysis for Zone 2 and Zone 3 areas to detect harborage niches in drains, floors, and equipment.

Salmonella spp. Testing Methods

We employ a multi-tiered approach for Salmonella spp. testing, offering both rapid molecular screening for speed and traditional cultural methods for regulatory confirmation.

High-Speed Molecular Screening Method

Rapid Salmonella PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology amplifies specific DNA fragments unique to the Salmonella genus. The process begins with an enrichment phase to revive injured cells in the food matrix, followed by lysis to release DNA. The thermal cycler then targets and replicates the invA gene or other specific genetic markers.

Standard:

AOAC RI PTM 050501 | ISO 16140 Validated.

Advantages:

This method offers high sensitivity and specificity with a rapid turnaround time. Negative results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for the faster release of perishable food products.

FDA BAM Reference Method

Traditional Salmonella Culture

This is the gold standard for microbiological analysis. It involves a multi-step process: pre-enrichment in non-selective broth to recover stressed bacteria, selective enrichment to inhibit background flora, and isolation on differential plating media like XLD, HE, or Bismuth Sulfite agar.

Standard:

FDA BAM Chapter 5 | ISO 6579-1:2017.

Advantages:

While longer (4-5 days), cultural methods allow for the isolation of the living organism. This is essential for regulatory disputes and outbreak investigations.

Definitive Verification & Serotyping

Biochemical Confirmation

Any sample that tests presumptive positive via PCR or screening methods must undergo confirmation. This involves analyzing the metabolic profile of the isolate (sugar fermentation, hydrogen sulfide production) and checking for agglutination with specific Salmonella O and H antisera.

Standard:

API 20E / VITEK 2 | Serological Agglutination.

Advantages:

Confirmation eliminates false positives that can occur with closely related organisms like Citrobacter. This step provides definitive proof for COA issuance.

Matrices Validated for Salmonella Testing

Our laboratory validates methods for difficult and unique food matrices.

Raw Poultry & Meat

Raw poultry sample preparation for Salmonella spp. testing.

Eggs & Egg Products

Shell eggs and liquid egg products for pathogen screening.

Low Moisture Foods

Low moisture foods including nuts and butters analysis.

Chocolate & Cocoa

Salmonella testing for chocolate and cocoa ingredients.

Fresh Produce

Fresh leafy greens and produce swab testing.

Spices & Herbs

Dried spices and herbal ingredients microbiological testing.

Why Choose AGT Food Labs?

We combine technical rigor with the agility of a dedicated safety partner.

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Accredited Excellence

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited & FDA LAAF Recognized. Your results are legally defensible.

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Rapid Turnaround

We understand that shelf life is critical. Our lab offers expedited Salmonella spp. testing services to minimize inventory hold times.

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Technical Support

In the event of a positive finding, our microbiologists provide guidance on root cause analysis and remediation strategies.

Common Questions About Salmonella Testing

Why is "Zero Tolerance" applied to Salmonella in RTE foods?

Salmonella is a severe pathogen with a low infectious dose. "Zero Tolerance" means that the detection of Salmonella in any amount (e.g., in a 25g sample) renders Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food adulterated and unfit for consumption, as no further kill step exists before eating.

What is the difference between rapid PCR and traditional culture?

Rapid PCR detects specific DNA segments of Salmonella and provides results in 24-48 hours. Traditional culture grows the bacteria on selective media, taking 4-5 days. Culture is required to isolate the living organism for regulatory confirmation and serotyping.

How much sample is needed for Salmonella testing?

Standard protocols typically require 25g to 375g of product per test, depending on the food category and regulatory requirements. We generally request sending at least 100g to ensure sufficient sample for initial screening and potential confirmation.

Should I test finished products or the environment?

Both are important. Environmental monitoring (swabbing drains, floors) proactively identifies contamination risks in your facility before they reach the product. Finished product testing verifies that your food safety controls were effective for that specific lot.

What happens if my sample tests positive for Salmonella?

If a PCR screen is presumptive positive, we proceed to cultural confirmation to verify the result. A confirmed positive in a finished product typically requires a recall or diversion. We provide technical support to help you investigate the root cause.

Ensure Your Production Hygiene

Validate your sanitation protocols with accredited microbiological testing.

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