3M is revolutionizing the food processing industry in Canada yet again with its 3M Molecular Detection System and the new addition of the assay test kit for Listeria spp. which has now received Health Canada’s acceptance for publishing for all environmental surfaces (stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, rubber, food grade painted surfaces, wood, sealed concrete, cast iron and air-filter material). The system provides a fast, accurate, easy-to-use and cost-effective method for detecting dangerous pathogens, allowing specialists in the food processing industry the ability to better respond to pathogens that can shut down businesses and threaten public health. An assay test kit for Salmonella already received Health Canada’s acceptance for publishing in April 2013.

The 3M Molecular Detection System is made up of an innovative combination of unique technologies – isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection – that directly addresses customer testing needs. It is a compact and robust system that is easy to use and maintain without compromising accuracy and reliability.

“At 3M Canada, we’re addressing the most pressing needs in food safety in Canada using innovative new technology to detect pathogens,” said Christian Blyth, Food Safety Professional Services Advisor at 3M Canada. “Salmonella and Listeria are at the top of the list.”

Uncompromised results in a compact unit

The 3M Molecular Detection System is sleek and compact – it has a smaller footprint than a laptop computer – making it highly portable and adaptable to a wide range of lab environments. In operation, the system targets and amplifies nucleic acid in enriched samples to deliver highly sensitive results. The automated technology can evaluate produce, meats, processed foods, pet food and food processing-related environmental samples.

“The system was designed to help our customers make critical decisions faster with less time wasted doing repeat tests,” said Blyth. “At the same time, the 3M Molecular Detection System can help manage costs by removing the need for expensive instrumentation and materials.”

Three assays available

The 3M Molecular Detection System platform uses three individual, pathogen-specific assays, or procedural tests, that are sold as test kits: Salmonella (which is now accepted in the compendium of analytical methods), E.coli O157 (including H7), and Listeria Spp. Each assay test kit uses the same software interface and DNA extraction protocol, and can test between one and 96 samples per run. 3M intends to continue investing in the development of pathogen testing solutions.

About 3M Canada

3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing, capturing the spark of new ideas and transforming them into thousands of ingenious solutions for industries that are important to Canadians. The culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that makes life better. With $30 billion in sales globally, 3M employs about 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2013, 3M Canada’s head office and original manufacturing site is in London, Ontario where about half of the company’s 1,800 employees work. Other locations include Calgary, Alberta; Milton, Brockville, and Perth, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; and, Morden, Manitoba.