Same-day PCR testing of Salmonella in meat: from research to routine application at slaughterhouses

Development of a rapid PCR technique is described, which enables slaughterhouses to apply same-day testing for Salmonella in carcasses and fresh meat. The technique is based on a shortened pre-enrichment time and 1-h DNA purification using paramagnetic beads (or an easy-to-use boiling method) followed by Salmonella detection by real-time PCR. Final protocols have been approved for meat testing (fresh meat and carcass swabs) by the Nordval validation organization for Nordic countries.