Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Campylobacter is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Despite establishments enacting measures to reduce the prevalence throughout their facilities, contaminated products consistently reach consumers. The technique developed over the past twelve years addresses limitations of existing methods for isolating and detecting Campylobacter spp. from raw meat.

Accurately quantifying Salmonella in poultry at low levels is a current industrial and regulatory challenge. This protocol describes an MPN assay that enables quantification of Salmonella in raw and ready-to-cook poultry products. This method is fast, sensitive, and aligns with FSIS guidelines, enhancing food safety and supporting public health efforts.