Last month bioMérieux, an in vitro diagnostics company, launched its Gene-Up Typer, which is a PCR rapid pathogen detection solution that offers root cause analysis in the food industry. Gene-Up Typer is the first assay to target the root cause of Listeria monocytogenes, the company says.
Julien Defferrard, associate director of augmented diagnostics Americas for bioMérieux, shared with The Packer how his company’s innovations can help reduce the risk of large-scale recalls in the fresh produce industry.
Defferrard said Gene-Up Typer will offer fresh produce industry businesses a quick and reliable source tracking of Listeria monocytogenes isolates found within a facility. Two parts make up Gene-Up Typer: a PCR assay that works with bioMérieux’s Augmented DX Portal and a web application that identifies and analyzes present strains to trace back the source of contamination.
“The combination of the solution’s real-time PCR assay and a web application delivers results in only two hours from an isolated colony, giving food producers quick and accurate insights of the Listeria monocytogenes contamination present in their facility — where it is, where it comes from and how to manage it,” Defferrard said.
Data collected is maintained by bioMérieux in encrypted storage within the Gene-Up Typer client database, and each company can choose who accesses the data collected.
“Gene-Up Typer is a proactive approach to pathogen monitoring, which is crucial for maintaining compliance with international food safety regulations,” Defferrard said. “By reducing the risk of recurrent contamination and batch rejection, this technology promotes uninterrupted exports and reinforces confidence in the safety of fresh produce.”
Defferrard said that given the short shelf-life of fresh produce, Gene-Up Typer will help fresh produce businesses decrease its risks and make more informed decisions.
“In the case of a potential contamination event, it is crucial to identify the root cause to minimize product, optimize sanitation procedures and address operational improvements,” he said. “Gene-Up Typer aids in cost savings by empowering processors to mitigate production halts and batch destruction measures.”
Defferrard said that while Gene-Up Typer currently detects Listeria monocytogenes, bioMérieux will research how the technology could screen for other foodborne pathogens. He said the food safety industry uses bioMérieux’s Gene-Up platform to screen for Listeria spp., salmonella and E. coli.
