Comparative Study of a DNA Hybridization Method and the Conventional Culture Procedure for Detection of Salmonella in Foods

A commercial DNA hybridization assay (DNAH) for rapid detection of Salmonella in foods was compared to the conventional culture procedure. The DNAH method employed preenrichment, selective, and post-enrichment steps (44°hr) prior to performing the assay (4hr). Confirmation of positive DNAH assays was accomplished using standard culture methods for isolation of Salmonella. More than 1,600 samples were tested, representing 23 food types and including naturally contaminated, artificially inoculated, and uninoculated foods. Based on the data generated, the DNAH method was as productive as the standard culture method for detection of Salmonella in all foods and was significantly better than the culture method for certain foods.