The assay has received an international NF Validation certification granted by AFNOR Certification as well as first action status as an Official Method of Analysis by AOAC International.
The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter provides accurate results in as little as 18 hours of enrichment with fewer steps compared to traditional agar methods.
3M global marketing manager Carolina Riba said Cronobacter is one of the most dangerous pathogens for producers of powdered dairy products, especially for producers of infant formula.
“We’re proud to be able to offer processors a rigorously evaluated test that enables them to obtain results they can feel confident about while saving time and money,” Riba said.
NF Validation
The NF Validation certification process is comprised of two phases, beginning with a method comparison study in which a single lab tests the new technology’s effectiveness versus standard methods.
Phase two involves an inter-laboratory study where several laboratories compare the efficacy of both the new test method and reference method under defined conditions of reproducibility and repeatability.
The NF Validation for the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 – Cronobacter certifies that the test is validated for the detection of Cronobacter spp. in powdered infant formula and infant cereals with or without probiotics, raw materials, and production environment samples.
AOAC Official Method of Analysis
AOAC International facilitates consensus and technical standards for the analytical science communities. Food processor, university, government and contract testing laboratories around the world rely on AOAC Official Method of Analysis validation rigor when choosing chemical, microbial and molecular testing methods.
The approval process for becoming an Official Method involves review by multiple, independent laboratories and subsequently by an expert review panel.