bioMérieux Launches Diagnostic Solution for Food Industries to Analyze Root Cause of Listeria Contamination

Marcy-l’Étoile, France — bioMérieux, a company specializing in in vitro diagnostics, announced the launch of GENE-UP TYPER, a real-time PCR solution for rapid pathogen detection root cause analysis in the food industry.

Each year, an estimated 600 million people fall ill after consuming contaminated food, according to the World Health Organization. These incidents not only pose serious health risks but also lead to costly recalls and reputational damage for food industries. Despite strict monitoring and control measures, contamination can still occur. By using root cause analysis solutions, food industries can identify breakdowns in processes and implement effective corrective actions to better prevent future contaminations, said bioMérieux.

GENE-UP TYPER is a real-time PCR solution for rapid strain characterization of microorganisms, for use on bioMérieux’s GENE-UP system. This automated food pathogen detection solution helps speed up the decision-making process by providing faster insights on strain identity, said the company.

After a pathogen is detected during routine testing and the strains are isolated in a sample, DNA is extracted and amplified with the GENE-UP TYPER specific assay. The analytical result generated by the GENE-UP instrument is then transferred to the AUGMENTED-DX web application. Powered by machine learning, which combines cutting-edge algorithms with years of expertise embedded in a comprehensive genomic database, GENE-UP TYPER defines a unique address identifying the strain and groups identical strains into “clusters,” said bioMérieux. The web application then progressively builds a history of the strain clusters present in the factory, allowing to trace back the source of contamination for an improved control of the production process.

“With more than 30 years of expertise in industrial applications, bioMérieux continues to heavily invest in disruptive science and technology to help the food processing industry keep pace with their rapidly changing environment,” said Yasha Mitrotti, executive vice president, industrial applications, bioMérieux. “With GENE-UP TYPER, we bring to the market an innovative solution capable of rapidly identifying root causes through genomics and data utilization, participating in the collective effort to make the world a healthier place and fight against food insecurity. With our partner Mérieux NutriSciences, we share the same intent of reshaping the landscape of food safety and set augmented quality standards.”

This patented solution has been developed over years of research, with contributions from Mérieux NutriSciences, a long-term partner of bioMérieux belonging to Institut Mérieux as well, specializing in food safety, quality and sustainability. Mérieux NutriSciences will retain co-exclusive rights to perform testing in key geographies for the outsourced testing services channel, ensuring the solution is available to all food and beverage processors, whether they operate an internal laboratory or outsource pathogen testing.

GENE-UP TYPER LMO, the first assay targeting Listeria monocytogenes root causes using the GENE-UP system, is now available worldwide for food manufacturers.