Abstract:
The present invention provides novel methods and devices for detection of pathogens or other microbes in an analyzed sample (e.g., food, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental etc., sample). The inventive methods and devices provide for increasing the power of detection for pathogens on food surfaces, comprising increasing the number of independent, discrete samples taken during the sampling procedure. The inventive sampling device reduces sampling costs by minimizing time, material and product loss relative to prior art sampling techniques. In particular aspects, a novel surface sampling device for bulk solid foods is provided that operates to remove (e.g., shave) small pieces from contacted product (e.g., product pieces). The device comprises a sampling mechanism having utility to remove samples (e.g., cut slivers from) larger pieces of food or other sample materials. In particular embodiments, the device comprises a primary shaft member (e.g., cylindrical stainless steel), and a shaving means.
Abstract:
Particular aspects of the present invention provide novel systems and methods for method for epidemiological and environmental monitoring and assessment, and for active management of human health hazards associated with building environments. In particular aspects, the inventive system and methods are used as a human health and environmental health management tool for corporations (e.g., offices, factories), commercial buildings, condominiums, hotels, resorts, camps, military installations, schools, daycares, cruise ships, real estate developments, towns and cities, prisons, or any other institutional or community settings. In particular aspects, the inventive system and methods are used in a proactive manner to maintain the health of building occupants. Additional aspects provide systems and methods having substantial utility as an investigative tool to substantiate human health claims and correlate underlying environmental factors.
Abstract:
A peanut food product with reduced levels of allergenic proteins such as Ala h1/h2/h3 is produced by initiating the germination process in raw peanuts, holding the peanuts in moist conditions to initiate germination and then treating with bromelain.
Abstract:
Multiple samples are taken from multiple units of food product to be tested for pathogen or other microbes, with the samples being pooled for composite testing, individual testing being required only in the event that the pool indicates positive.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods for certification of carcasses, and for detecting a contaminated carcass and preventing its movement into or across a production area. The inventive methods comprise obtaining, early in the production process (pre-fabrication), a test sample from at least one test location of at least one split-portion of each carcass, wherein the test samples are obtained prior to or during chilling of the respective split portions, before entry thereof in the production chain. Composite test samples are assayed for pathogens or microbes, whereby certification is afforded, or whereby entry of the chilled split-carcass-Lot into the production area is precluded if the corresponding composite-Lot test sample is contaminated. Methods for remedial reconditioning of contaminated split-carcasses are provided, wherein essentially 100% of the carcasses are targeted to the production line. The inventive methods provide substantial public health benefit, and are efficient and economical to implement.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention provide novel apparatus and methods for sampling microbial organisms present on surfaces. Preferred apparatus comprises: a reservoir suitable for providing microbial collection fluid; a sterilizable sample collection chamber; a sterilizable, integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member, suitable to deliver collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recover the delivered fluid from the surface; delivery means, in communication with both the reservoir and the integrated member, and operable to aseptically deliver collection fluid from the reservoir to the integrated member; and vacuum means, in communication with both the sample collection chamber and the integrated member, and operable to direct collection fluid, delivered and recovered by the integrated member, to the sample collection a method for rapid, high-throughput sampling of microbial organisms present on surfaces, comprising: delivering sample collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recovering the delivered fluid from the target surface by means of an integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member; and collecting the recovered sample collection fluid into a sample collection chamber in communication with the integrated member, whereby sample collection is, at least in part, achieved. The inventive methods and apparatus can be applied to both surface sampling and to atmospheric sampling.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention provide novel apparatus and methods for sampling microbial organisms present on surfaces. Preferred apparatus comprises: a reservoir suitable for providing microbial collection fluid; a sterilizable sample collection chamber; a sterilizable, integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member, suitable to deliver collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recover the delivered fluid from the surface; delivery means, in communication with both the reservoir and the integrated member, and operable to aseptically deliver collection fluid from the reservoir to the integrated member; and vacuum means, in communication with both the sample collection chamber and the integrated member, and operable to direct collection fluid, delivered and recovered by the integrated member, to the sample collection chamber. Additional aspects provide a method for rapid, high-throughput sampling of microbial organisms present on surfaces, comprising: delivering sample collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recovering the delivered fluid from the target surface by means of an integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member; and collecting the recovered sample collection fluid into a sample collection chamber in communication with the integrated member, whereby sample collection is, at least in part, achieved. The inventive methods and apparatus can be applied to both surface sampling and to atmospheric sampling.
Abstract:
Provided are viscous and adherent food-safe antimicrobial compositions, and methods for using same in the immediate and residual decontamination of microbial-contaminated substrate surfaces, in reducing or precluding cutting implement-mediated transfer of surface contamination during cutting operations in the food industry, and for reducing or preventing transfer of contamination from contaminated surfaces in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Adherent antimicrobial protective layers are formed on substrate surfaces (e.g., processing equipment and utensils), providing a barrier (e.g., chemical and/or physical) to the passage or transport of microbial contamination between and among surfaces. The adherent formulations confer residual decontaminating activity, providing for prolonged killing of associated microbial contamination, are preferably formulated and applied as a gel, syrup or foam, and preferably comprise materials that are ‘generally-regarded-as-safe’ (GRAS) in food products, obviating post-treatment removal prior to consumption. Preferably, the inventive formulations are heated to a temperature≧about 80° C. prior to application.
Abstract:
The present invention provides novel viscous and adherent food-safe antimicrobial compositions, and methods for using same in the immediate and residual decontamination of microbial-contaminated substrate surfaces, in reducing or precluding cutting implement-mediated transfer of surface contamination during cutting operations in the food industry, and for reducing or preventing transfer of contamination from contaminated surfaces in the food and pharmaceutical. Adherent antimicrobial protective layers are formed on substrate surfaces (e.g., processing equipment and utensils), providing a barrier (e.g., chemical and/or physical) to the passage or transport of microbial contamination between and among surfaces. The adherent formulations confer residual de-contaminating activity, providing for prolonged killing of associated microbial contamination. The inventive solutions, are preferably formulated and applied as a gel, syrup or foam, and are preferably prepared using materials which are ‘generally-regarded-as-safe’ (GRAS) in food products, obviating post-treatment removal prior to consumption. Preferably, the inventive formulations are heated to a temperature equal to or greater than about 80° C. prior to application.
Abstract:
The present invention provides novel methods and devices for detection of pathogens or other microbes in an analyzed sample (e.g., food, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental etc., sample). The inventive methods and devices provide for increasing the power of detection for pathogens on food surfaces, comprising increasing the number of independent, discrete samples taken during the sampling procedure. The inventive sampling device reduces sampling costs by minimizing time, material and product loss relative to prior art sampling techniques. In particular aspects, a novel surface sampling device for bulk solid foods is provided that operates to remove (e.g., shave) small pieces from contacted product (e.g., product pieces). The device comprises a sampling mechanism having utility to remove samples (e.g., cut slivers from) larger pieces of food or other sample materials. In particular embodiments, the device comprises a primary shaft member (e.g., cylindrical stainless steel), and a shaving means.