Abstract: Costly enrichment medium used for microbiological testing of nuts and other moisture-absorbing food products is conserved by saturating the product with water or other inexpensive liquid prior to contacting the product with enrichment medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel viscous and adherent food-safe antimicrobial compositions, and methods for using same in the immediate and residual decontamination of microbial-contaminated substrate surfaces, in reducing or precluding cutting implement-mediated transfer of surface contamination during cutting operations in the food industry, and for reducing or preventing transfer of contamination from contaminated surfaces in the food and pharmaceutical. Adherent antimicrobial protective layers are formed on substrate surfaces (e.g., processing equipment and utensils), providing a barrier (e.g., chemical and/or physical) to the passage or transport of microbial contamination between and among surfaces. The adherent formulations confer residual de-contaminating activity, providing for prolonged killing of associated microbial contamination.

Abstract: A method for screening a lot of product comprising multiple, individual bags or bins wherein a samples taken from each bag or bin are formed into a composite, which composite is tested for toxin or other contamination. If the test shows positive, the samples are then tested individually to determine which bag or bin is contaminated, thus permitting non-contaminated bags or bins to be released.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for certification of carcasses, and for detecting a contaminated carcass and preventing its movement into or across a production area. The inventive methods comprise obtaining, early in the production process (pre-fabrication), a test sample from at least one test location of at least one split-portion of each carcass, wherein the test samples are obtained prior to or during chilling of the respective split portions, before entry thereof in the production chain. Composite test samples are assayed for pathogens or microbes, whereby certification is afforded, or whereby entry of the chilled split-carcass-Lot into the production area is precluded if the corresponding composite-Lot test sample is contaminated. Methods for remedial reconditioning of contaminated split-carcasses are provided, wherein essentially 100% of the carcasses are targeted to the production line. The inventive methods provide substantial public health benefit, and are efficient and economical to implement.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for certification of carcasses, and for detecting a contaminated carcass and preventing its movement into or across a production area. The inventive methods comprise obtaining, early in the production process (pre-fabrication), a test sample from at least one test location of at least one split-portion of each carcass, wherein the test samples are obtained prior to or during chilling of the respective split portions, before entry thereof in the production chain. Composite test samples are assayed for pathogens or microbes, whereby certification is afforded, or whereby entry of the chilled split-carcass-Lot into the production area is precluded if the corresponding composite-Lot test sample is contaminated. Methods for remedial reconditioning of contaminated split-carcasses are provided, wherein essentially 100% of the carcasses are targeted to the production line. The inventive methods provide substantial public health benefit, and are efficient and economical to implement.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for the rapid confirmation of an initial analyte test result. In a preferred embodiment, the process confirms the presence of a given microbial target in a mixed culture, or a mixed enrichment media, even when the competing organisms in the mix belong to related species, or are various biotypes of the same species.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel enrichment, testing and detection methods for detection of pathogens or other microbes in a food, water, wastewater, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental samples and other types of samples analyzed by enrichment-detection methods. In preferred aspects, a sample is obtained at a first location and is diluted (e.g., in the case of a solid or semi-solid sample or liquid) at the first location at a ratio of about 1:0 (wt./vol.) to 1:2 (wt./vol.), or greater, preferably at a ratio of about 1:0.1 (wt./vol.) or greater, or more preferably, at a ratio of about 1:2 (wt./vol.) or greater. The diluted sample is incubated at an optimal temperature in an incubator and either tested locally, or sent in a shipping incubator to a second location that is a remote test location. The incubated sample is received and tested at the second location by assaying the sample, or a portion thereof, with an assay suitable to detect the pathogen or other microbe.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sort of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel enrichment, testing and detection methods for detection of pathogens or other microbes in a food, water, wastewater, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental samples and other types of samples analyzed by enrichment-detection methods. In preferred aspects, a sample is obtained at a first location and is diluted (e.g., in the case of a solid or semi-solid sample or liquid) at the first location at a ratio of about 1:0 (wt./vol.) to 1:2 (wt./vol.), or greater, preferably at a ratio of about 1:0.1 (wt./vol.) or greater, or more preferably, at a ratio of about 1:2 (wt./vol.) or greater. The diluted sample is incubated at an optimal temperature in an incubator and either tested locally, or sent in a shipping incubator to a second location that is a remote test location. The incubated sample is received and tested at the second location by assaying the sample, or a portion thereof, with an assay suitable to detect the pathogen or other microbe.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel apparatus and methods for sampling microbial organisms present on surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for detection of pathogens or other microbes in an analyzed sample (e.g., food, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental etc., sample). The inventive methods and devices provide for increasing the power of detection for pathogens on food surfaces, comprising increasing the number of independent, discrete samples taken during the sampling procedure. The inventive sampling device reduces sampling costs by minimizing time, material and product loss relative to prior art sampling techniques. In particular aspects, a novel surface sampling device for bulk solid foods is provided that operates to remove (e.g., shave) small pieces from contacted product (e.g., product pieces). The device comprises a sampling mechanism having utility to remove samples (e.g., cut slivers from) larger pieces of food or other sample materials. In particular embodiments, the device comprises a primary shaft member (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel viscous and adherent food-safe antimicrobial compositions, and methods for using same in the immediate and residual decontamination of microbial-contaminated substrate surfaces, in reducing or precluding cutting implement-mediated transfer of surface contamination during cutting operations in the food industry, and for reducing or preventing transfer of contamination from contaminated surfaces in the food and pharmaceutical. Adherent antimicrobial protective layers are formed on substrate surfaces (e.g., processing equipment and utensils), providing a barrier (e.g., chemical and/or physical) to the passage or transport of microbial contamination between and among surfaces. The adherent formulations confer residual de-contaminating activity, providing for prolonged killing of associated microbial contamination.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sort of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel multi-targeted microbiological screening and monitoring methods having substantial utility for monitoring and control of microbial growth and contaminants, microbiological processes, predictive microbiology, and for exposure and risk assessment. Microbial markers shared by both target and index microbes are used in novel methods for microbial monitoring, monitoring of microbial performance potential, trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) in processes or systems that are receptive to a plurality of genetically distinct microbes.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the present invention provide novel systems and methods for method for epidemiological and environmental monitoring and assessment, and for active management of human health hazards associated with building environments. In particular aspects, the inventive system and methods are used as a human health and environmental health management tool for corporations (e.g., offices, factories), commercial buildings, condominiums, hotels, resorts, camps, military installations, schools, daycares, cruise ships, real estate developments, towns and cities, prisons, or any other institutional or community settings. In particular aspects, the inventive system and methods are used in a proactive manner to maintain the health of building occupants. Additional aspects provide systems and methods having substantial utility as an investigative tool to substantiate human health claims and correlate underlying environmental factors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for certification of carcasses, and for detecting a contaminated carcass and preventing its movement into or across a production area. The inventive methods comprise obtaining, early in the production process (pre-fabrication), a test sample from at least one test location of at least one split-portion of each carcass, wherein the test samples are obtained prior to or during chilling of the respective split portions, before entry thereof in the production chain. Composite test samples are assayed for pathogens or microbes, whereby certification is afforded, or whereby entry of the chilled split-carcass-Lot into the production area is precluded if the corresponding composite-Lot test sample is contaminated. Methods for remedial reconditioning of contaminated split-carcasses are provided, wherein essentially 100% of the carcasses are targeted to the production line. The inventive methods provide substantial public health benefit, and are efficient and economical to implement.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel enrichment, testing and detection methods for detection of pathogens or other microbes in a food, water, wastewater, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental samples and other types of samples analyzed by enrichment-detection methods. In preferred aspects, a sample is obtained at a first location and is diluted (e.g., in the case of a solid or semi-solid sample. or liquid) at the first location at a ratio of about 1:0 (wt./vol.) to 1:2 (wt./vol.), or greater, preferably at a ratio of about 1:0.1 (wt./vol.) or greater, or more preferably, at a ratio of about 1:2 (wt./vol.) or greater. The diluted sample is incubated at an optimal temperature in an incubator and either tested locally, or sent in a shipping incubator to a second location that is a remote test location. The incubated sample is received and tested at the second location by assaying the sample, or a portion thereof, with an assay suitable to detect the pathogen or other microbe.