DuPont and USDA Developing Test for "Big Six" E. coli Strains

DuPont and USDA are in the process of developing a new test for "lesser-known strains of E. coli bacteria that have become the source of increasing concern after recent outbreaks linked to contaminated fresh produce" according to The Packer.

While most E. coli testing focuses on O157:H7, the CDC estimates that the "Big Six" E. coli strains are responsible for about 36,000 illnesses per year in the United States.  "E. coli can be found in the intestines of cattle, and sickness typically involved ground beef contaminated with 0157."  Recently, however, "shredded romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli O145, one of the Big 6, sickened at least 26 people in five states."

The test will involve "DNA analysis to identify pathogens" and "is expected to take 12-18 months to complete."  This will be the first test available commercially for the "Big Six" E. coli strains.

To read The Packer story, click here.

Posted: 08/06/2010