Evaluation of a new semi-automated screening method for the detection of Salmonella in foods within 24 h.

A new method for the detection of Salmonella in foods and feeds, 'The EiaFoss Salmonella Method' has been performance tested in comparison with a traditional technique, the Rappaport-Vassiliadis cultural procedure, as reference method. The new method is based on a two step enrichment procedure (19 and 3 h) using two different pre-enrichment broths (Salmonella enrichment broth, SEB I and SEB II) for raw and processed foods, followed by an automated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) carried out in the 'EiaFoss analyser'. A total of 161 food and nine feed samples were investigated. Only naturally contaminated samples were used. Viable Salmonella were recovered in 30 samples using either method. When using the EiaFoss Salmonella Method 13% more samples (27:24) were proved salmonella-positive compared with the reference method. The explanation for the better performance of the EiaFoss Salmonella Method is discussed and attributed in part to better enrichment procedures when using SEB I or SEB II.