Validation of the 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay 2-STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) for the Detection of Shiga Toxin Gene (stx and eae) in Fresh Raw Beef Trim, Fresh Raw Ground Beef and Fresh Spinach: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 071902

Background: The 3M (TM) Molecular Detection Assay 2 - STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) method is based on gene amplification using real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification with the 3M Molecular Detection System for the rapid and specific detection of Shiga toxin gene (stxl and/or stx2) and intimin gene (eae) from Shiga toxin-producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (STEC) in enriched foods. Objective: The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) method was evaluated for AOAC (R) Performance Tested Methods(SM) certification. Methods: Matrix studies, inclusivity/exclusivity, robustness, product stability, and lot-to-lot variability testing were conducted to assess the method's performance. Results: The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) demonstrated equivalent results to the US Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook 5C.00 for fresh raw beef trim and fresh raw ground beef, and to the US Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 4A for fresh spinach. The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) detected 50 of 50 E. coli strains with stx1 and/or stx2 genes, and the eae gene, and detected zero of 40 strains from the exclusivity panel. Robustness testing indicated that small variations in critical test parameters did not adversely affect the assay's performance. Product consistency and stability testing demonstrated no differences between the lots evaluated. Conclusion: The data collected demonstrates that the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae) is a reliable method for the rapid and specific detection of STEC in raw beef trim, raw ground beef, and spinach.