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A. E. YOUSEF, H. Wang, and S. J. Schwartz. Dept. of Food Science & Technology, Ohio State Univ., 2015 Fyffe Ct., 110 Parker Food Science Bldg., Columbus, OH 43210-1007 Rapid and specific detection of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in foods is critical for food safety and quality. Conventional microbial detection methods from plate counting to biochemical characterization are time consuming and therefore unsuitable for testing some foods particularly those with limited shelf life. Rapid detection systems address these concerns, but presence of microbial contaminants at low levels in food, and interference of food components with the analysis are major challenges to these systems. Our objective was to establish a commodity-based platform (CleanPlant) suitable for rapid detecting multiple microorganisms in foods. We have determined the suitability of the Taqman-based real-time PCR approach in detecting target spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in juice and selected processed meat products. We have targeted both the functional genes and rDNA sequences for PCR primer-and-probe development. Method development included cloning the target genes from representative strains, determining the DNA sequences, DNA sequence data mining and comparison, and designing primers and probes based on conserved regions within the aligned sequences. The derived primer-and-probe sets are further tested for detection specificity and sensitivity. Using this strategy, several PCR primer-and-probe sets were developed for the detection of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria and fungi. Combined with optimized sample-processing procedures, the new system detected target agents in juices and roast beef specifically without cross-reaction from other food-borne microorganisms. The whole detection procedures can be completed within a working day. This is a significant improvement compare to the mainstream industry practices that take from 2 days to a couple of weeks to cultivate and characterize these organisms. Effort is being made to expand the product coverage for the CleanPlan detection system. Implementation of such a system can greatly benefit the food industry by saving time and money, and maintaining brand image and quality.
Session 20, Application and use of genomics in food microbiology
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