A method is described for the real-time detection of Salmonella species in foods and on surfaces. Salmonella are enriched in media to increase their cell density prior to analysis. DNA is recovered by lysis in the presence of azide, proteinase K, and detergent. Real-time detection of Salmonella species is performed in a PCR reaction using gene specific primers and a cleavable chimeric fluorescent probe. The method also describes an internal control to confirm the efficiency of nucleic acid amplification and detection. The method is amenable to medium and high throughput analysis.