The present invention is a method for the detection of a specific target bacteria in a complex sample mixture. The sample mixture may contain a variety of components including non-target or background microorganisms as well as other organic contaminants such as food debris. The method proceeds by first culturing the complex sample mixture in a non-selective growth medium, followed by isolation and detection of target bacteria DNA. Target DNA is detected via a DNA amplification protocol with a primer pair selected to amplify a specific, identifying portion of the target bacteria DNA. A control DNA is amplified concurrently with the target bacteria target DNA. The control DNA is specifically designed to be amplified with a single primer that is identical to one of the primers used in the amplification of the target genomic DNA. Use of this control validates the amplification reaction. Detection of the amplified target DNA and the control is accomplished by gel electrophoresis or by fluorescent means. The present method is particularly useful when carried out in a homogeneous format where fluorescence emissions from dyes, incorporated in the amplification products, may be detected without the separation of products from primers or DNA templates.