WILMINGTON, Del., March 17, 2008 – A new BAX® system assay from DuPont Qualicon that uses innovative technology for rapid Listeria detection has been certified as Performance Tested sm Method No. 030801 by the AOAC Research Institute (RI) of Gaithersburg, Md.

Validation studies compared BAX® system performance to the standard culture method used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. AOAC-RI found that the automated BAX® system performed significantly better than the culture method for detecting Listeria on stainless steel surfaces. Moreover, by using advanced technology called reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to jump-start the reaction, results are available just eight hours after sampling.

“When we introduced this application of RT-PCR to Listeria testing, we knew that it was exceptional in terms of speed and sensitivity,” said Kevin Huttman, president -- DuPont Qualicon. “We are very pleased to now offer the first assay of its kind that is certified by AOAC-RI.”

Food processing companies around the world rely on the BAX® system to detect pathogens or other organisms in raw ingredients, finished products and environmental samples. The automated system uses leading-edge technology, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, tableted reagents and optimized media, to also detect Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter sakazakii, Campylobacter and Staphylococcus aureus. With certifications and regulatory approvals in the Americas , Asia and Europe , the BAX® system is recognized globally as the most advanced pathogen testing system available to food companies.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Contact:
Barbara Robleto
302-695-5211
barbara.d.robleto@usa.dupont.com

Please see www.qualicon.com for more information and photos.

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