Comparative and collaborative validation of a real-time PCR method for detection of Salmonella in animal feces, carcass swabs and meat

To prevent the spread of Salmonella and to assure safe food it is essential to have reliable methods for detection. Traditional methods based on culturing in different types of growth media is time consuming and, in some cases, not specific or sensitive enough. Therefore, it is important to have alternative validated methods available.

The aim of this project is to validate a real-time PCR method for detection of Salmonella in poultry fecal samples, carcass swabs and meat. The validation is performed according to the Nordic organization for validation of alternative methods (NordVal). The result of a successful validation study will be a validated method that can be used for routine screening of Salmonella in the meat industry.