Detecting the Presence of E. coli in Foods Before They Are Shipped

Many people prefer their apple cider and other fruit drinks to be unpasteurized. Sometimes that lack of pasteurization can result in outbreaks of infection as a result of the presence of E. coli bacteria. Individuals become ill when such episodes occur, and companies must recall and destroy large amounts of product. Producers obviously are interested in testing their product before it leaves the plant to ensure the absence of E. coli. Currently, the only available test takes 48 hours to return results. In a high volume production environment, the product tested may have already shipped before test results are known. Dr. Darrell Donohue and his students at the University of Maine are trying to solve that dilemma with financial support from the USDA. Dr. Donohue is working on a test that will sample fruit juice right on the production line and return test results in 4-6 hours instead of in 48. Within that time frame, if a batch were discovered to have E. coli present, it could be pasteurized and used safely in other food products. Such an early test result would allow those who prefer unpasteurized cider to enjoy it safely and, at the same time, reduce the waste of valuable food products and help producers avoid the expense of recalls.