AME Certified Laboratories

Test and Release food safety testing has been an elusive challenge for the food production industry. For decades, the industry has relied heavily on third-party laboratories to generate pathogen tests days after production is ready to ship to buyers, which means food samples often leave the production floor and travel miles before testing even begins. The industry has long needed a cheap, easy to use and totally flawless “Test and Release” solution to the food safety issue now AME Certified Laboratories has released the ideal system.

By the time results come back, the food may already be sitting in expensive to maintain cold storage facilities, losing freshness and shelf life, or moving closer to distribution without clear confirmation of safety. The problem is not just the waiting. Many third-party labs still depend on outdated culture-based methods that can take several days to produce test results and do not always deliver consistent accuracy. Even when the traditional methods are established, logistical issues such as sample handling and accessioning create opportunities for error. Accessioning involves receiving, labeling, and sorting hundreds of samples at once.

This is the gap that AME Certified Laboratories set out to close.

Instead of leaving such a critical step to outside parties, AME equips food processors with in-house cutting-edge DNA-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing systems that can be used directly in their own facilities with their own employees. AME, equips, trains, supports, provides the test kits, and certifies the in-house employees. Trained employees report their increased capability after being certified to be AME PCR Technicians, increased their value to the food production organization. By giving food manufacturers, the most advanced tools to conduct tests themselves, the company eliminates the time lag, reduces the risk of error, and dramatically improves outcomes. Food processors gain control over one of the most sensitive points in the supply chain, with results available in minutes rather than days with ISO 17025-level systems and train.

Unlike traditional third-party testing, where food samples are sent out and results can take days to arrive, AME's in-house PCR testing returns results in as few as 20 minutes of run time. That is a game-changer for food producers, especially for items with short shelf lives, such as fresh produce. This immediate feedback allows them to address contamination concerns quickly without waiting for outside labs. In fact, AME’s system is so efficient that it reduces the need for costly cold storage while products are awaiting test results, thus the “Test and Release” method realized. Food producers report the ‘no down time’ associated with waiting for test results a big advantage in the shipment of products to buyers. An AME client noted, "The most desirable and advantageous use of the machine is, it is operated by the QA staff and results are kept in-house for analytical results before the product is packed and shipped."

Andy Moreno, Ph.D., Bacterial Surveillance Systems Engineer and Genetic Detection Systems Engineer at AME, emphasizes the importance of in-house testing. He says, “The big advantage of in-house testing is that the people doing the testing are the same ones who know the factory, the processes, and the products. They conduct it with an understanding of what is happening at every step. That leads to much more accurate and reliable results at a fraction of the traditional cost model.”

A Safer, More Cost-Effective Solution

AME’s in-house testing system saves time and money. Food processors using AME’s services do not have to pay for expensive third-party testing or manage the logistical headaches of sample shipments. In-house testing averages around under $30 per test, while outside labs charge much more per test for water, food, process, environmental, and finished product tests. Instead, they lease the DNA testing equipment directly from AME, making it far more affordable than purchasing systems outright.

AME also offers a flexible 31-day release policy, allowing clients to opt out with minimal hassle if they are not satisfied with the cost savings.

“We are providing a cost-effective way for food processors to conduct pathogen testing without the huge upfront costs of purchasing equipment,” says Dr. Moreno. “Our leasing model is designed to make it easier for companies, especially smaller ones, to access advanced testing systems.”

This flexibility is particularly important because the food industry is under constant pressure to meet strict regulatory standards while lowering costs. AME’s flexible leasing model allows companies to test their products without being locked into lengthy, costly agreements.

The Power of Accuracy

One of the key reasons for AME’s success is its accuracy. Dated testing methods, especially 30-year-old culture-based tests, rely on growing pathogens in a lab, which require days and often produce results which are 60% to 70% sensitive and specific. PCR testing, in contrast, is 99% specific and sensitive.

With AME’s PCR testing, food processors can test for pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria spp. with confidence. These tests are ISO 17025-cleared, meaning they meet the highest industry standards and can provide more reliable results than third-party methods which have accessioning and personnel issues.

In-house testing also allows food processors to perform in-house confirmatory tests whenever needed, adding another layer of accuracy rather than receiving “presumptive” results from third-party labs. This control enables manufacturers to address potential contamination issues proactively before they become serious problems. Third-party laboratories are required to report to governmental agencies any detection of pathogenic organisms in their tests, while in-house laboratories can take remediation actions prior to shipment.

Better Compliance with Food Safety Standards

In recent years, the food industry has seen a shift toward stricter safety regulations. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) are just two examples of frameworks that require regular product testing to meet compliance standards.

For large retailers such as Walmart and Costco, test-and-release programs are now the norm, meaning food products must be tested before leaving the production facility. AME’s in-house testing systems help food processors comply by providing real-time results that can be attached to shipments as certificates of analysis.

With AME’s PCR testing, products can be shipped without delay, a significant advantage for time-sensitive items like fresh produce.

The Role of AI in Food Safety

AME is pushing the envelope with new technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its testing systems. Using AI, AME can match DNA test results with images of food products on a conveyor belt, providing an additional layer of predictive accuracy in identifying contamination risks.

“The use of AI in pathogen detection is a game-changer,” says Dr. Moreno. “We use proprietary AI algorithms to identify contamination in real time, based on light-based detection methods and confirmed by DNA testing, which is a revolutionary combination of advanced systems. It is like a face recognition system for food. The AI compares the product against a library of pathogen tests, making detection confirmed and with a higher degree of accuracy.”

While still in early stages, this AI-powered technology will revolutionize food safety by allowing near-instantaneous detection of pathogens and contaminants without relying on random grab sampling.

Protecting Consumers, Improving Quality

AME’s work goes beyond food safety; it improves overall quality. By enabling processors to test and ship products quickly, AME helps ensure food is fresher and healthier.

AME’s novel approach to in-house PCR testing, combined with dedication to customer support, regulatory compliance, and advanced technological development, has established AME as a leader in food safety solutions. By offering rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing, AME helps producers meet modern safety demands and ensures consumers can trust the products on their tables.

With its focus on innovation and commitment to protecting consumers, AME is poised to continue its pivotal role in transforming food safety for years to come.