Samples are taken using the Clean-Trace ATP Test Swabs, which are wiped on suspect surface areas to collect residues that may contain adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy molecule prevalent in organic materials.
Rapid evaluation
The hardware, called the 3M Clean-Trace NG Luminometer, rapidly evaluates the sample and determines the presence and magnitude of potential contamination.
The handheld Luminometer delivers a result in seconds and allows users to pre-select their own “pass, caution or fail” levels, said the company.
The Luminometer is docked to a computer or connected via USB cable and works with the software to allow users to make business decisions and comply with audit requirements.
“The Clean-Trace Data Trending Software allows customers around the world to almost instantly pinpoint where a sanitation problem occurs and address it at the source,” said Tom Dewey, 3M Food Safety global marketing manager.
“Not only do they find contaminants in the manufacturing line, they can systematically identify trends with equipment, work crews and processes – even predict where future issues could happen.”
E.coli test validation
Meanwhile, 3M Food Safety has also announced it has received AOAC-PTM Certification (#071202) for its 3M Molecular Detection Assay for E.coli O157 (including H7) from the AOAC Research Institute’s Performance Tested Methods Program.
The certification gives food processors greater assurance in safeguarding against pathogenic E.coli, said 3M.
Sample food groups evaluated included raw ground beef, bagged spinach and sprouts.
The Molecular Detection System combines isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection to provide pathogen discovery in enriched food, feed and food process environmental samples.
The PTM validation of E.coli O157 follows an earlier validation of the Salmonella assay from the AOAC Research Institute.
DeAnn Benesh, regulatory affairs specialist with 3M Food Safety, said: “AOAC-PTM approval of 3M’s Salmonella and E.coli O157 (including H7) assays are the first of numerous validations for this product line, emphasizing the value of a pathogen detection solution that is fast, accurate, easy-to-use and affordable.”
