April 22, 2010

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture recently reported significant advances toward a single test that can detect both pathogenic E. coli and its toxins.

The toxins that E. coli produces – not E. coli itself – are what cause harm. Since it is possible for one to be present without the other, proper testing of food should look for both. Researchers have developed a single test that tests for both E. coli and its toxins, and is faster than current E. coli tests – providing results in less than 24 hours instead of a week. The plan is to have a commercialized test in a few years that could be used by governments and the food industry.