3M's Next Generation Molecular Detection Assay for Listeria Approved and Published by Health Canada

3M Canada Company (CNW Group/3M Canada Company)

LONDON, ON, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - 3M announced today that Health Canada has approved and published the next-generation 3M Molecular Detection System assay for Listeria detection. Based on isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection – the same combination of advanced technologies used in all 3M Molecular Detection Assays – these assays use new chemistry to deliver accurate results with shorter enrichment times and improved productivity. The assay has now been included on the guide of official methods approved and used by Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch to determine compliance with government standards and guidelines. The assay can be found in the Compendium using the method number MFLP-101 – Listeria spp. for Environmental Samples.

This assay is the first to be approved for the next-generation 3M Molecular Detection System, following the approval of four assays for the first-generation System:

• MFLP-05 – Listeria spp. for Environmental Samples
• MFLP-06 – Salmonella for All Foods
• MFLP-72 – L. monocytogenesfor Selected Foods
• MFLP-73 – E.coli O157 (including H7) for Selected Foods

The transition between the two will be seamless for current users – both first and second-generation assays can be run simultaneously using the same 3M Molecular Detection Instrument.

"We're so excited for the launch of our new and improved Molecular Detection System, which we can now bring to market in Canada with the approval of this assay," said Christian Blyth, Pathogen Detection Specialist, 3M Canada. "We're so excited to improve on the original System while once again delivering one protocol for all pathogens, simplifying the process and improving productivity."

Applicable to environmental samples and a broad range of food types (dairy products, ready-to-eat and raw meats, fish and seafood, fruits and vegetable) and using standard enrichment medium, the next generation assays for Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes provide a faster time-to-result after as little as 24 hours of enrichment. These assays use a streamlined workflow that is 30 percent faster than first generation assays, enabled by new lysis chemistry that utilizes proprietary 3M nanotechnology and features a unique color-change indicator for today's busy pathogen testing laboratories looking to enhance productivity, without compromising accuracy.

To use the new assays on their existing instrument, customers simply need to download and install a free software upgrade available at www.3m.com/foodsafety.

3M Food Safety is a leader of innovative solutions that help the food and beverage industries optimize the quality and safety of their products to enable consumer protection. At every step, 3M Food Safety provides solutions that help mitigate risk, improve operational efficiencies and impact the bottom line. For more information, visit www.3M.ca/FoodSafety or follow @3M_FoodSafety on Twitter.

ABOUT 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Established in 1951, 3M Canada was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M with the head office and original manufacturing site in London, Ontario where approximately 800 of the company's 1,800 employees work. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.ca or on Twitter @3M_Canada.

SOURCE 3M Canada Company

For further information: Sara Frank, 416-413-4646, [e-mail]