DuPont and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are teaming up to find new ways to detect an E. coli strain in beef that, even in low concentrations, can cause severe illness.

Through a cooperative research and development agreement, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) at Clay Center, Neb., and DuPont Qualicon will develop a new test for E. coli 0157:H7, a pathogen that led to more than 30 million pounds of ground beef being recalled in 2007.

“We are committed to providing the meat industry with testing applications that use the best science available.  This agreement allows us to work with experts from the USDA ARS toward our common goal of an E. coli O157:H7 test that is even faster, more accurate and more efficient,” said Kevin Huttman, president, DuPont Qualicon.

"Our mission is to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep and swine industries," said Mohammad Koohmaraie, USMARC director.  "In the case of E. coli O157:H7 detection, we're looking at collaborative ways to quickly develop a new test."