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The aim of this project is to develop real-time PCR systems which integrate sample preparation, signal amplification and data handling to produce an analytical system enabling Ontario agencies to meet the anticipated demands for rapid and reliable detection of microorganisms, including Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli O157:H7 and total E. coli in a variety of food, water, and environmental samples. The methods will meet regulatory standards for the detection and enumeration of target organisms in time frames ranging from a few hours to overnight.
Expected Impact of Project Outcomes on Food Safety in Ontario: A successful completion of this project will allow the following: <ul>
<li>Improved sample perpetration, signal amplification and data handling to enable an analytical system for microbial detection.
<li>Automated analysis (30 minutes) with semi-quantitative measurements of a number of food-borne pathogens.
<li>Simple, reliable and rapid detection kit for detection of Salmonella spp. E. coli O157:H7, E. coli Biotype I, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni. </ul> <P> For more information, please visit the <a href="http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/research/foodsafety/index.html" target="_blank">Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Food Safety Research Program</a>.