Aggregating Food Sampler for Representative Microbial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbial sampling methods for ready-to-eat produce are inadequate, as grab samples are too small to represent production lots, heterogeneous, and result in flawed testing that fails to detect low-level pathogens, leading to ineffective food safety measures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an aggregating sampler with a mobile frame and guide surface, using a sampling sheet with microbial material to collect samples continuously, allowing for larger effective sample sizes and real-time analysis through a two-stage screening system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If grab sampling is used to test microbial safety, then testing speed is fast and cost is low, but sample representativeness is poor and detection sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual samples into a single composite sample that represents an entire production lot. The aggregating sampler collects samples continuously from multiple locations and time points, merging them into one comprehensive sample that increases detection sensitivity while maintaining practical sample size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point sampling (single location, single time) to volumetric sampling (multiple locations, multiple time points). The aggregating sampler captures samples across the entire production lot volume and time duration, adding dimensional coverage that dramatically improves representativeness and detection capability.
2Reliability
If grab sampling is used, then sampling process is simple, but sample representativeness of production lot is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aggregating sampler is designed as a universal sampling system that can handle multiple sample types (produce, meat, seafood) and can be deployed at various sampling locations. It performs multiple functions including sample collection, aggregation, and preparation for analysis, reducing the need for multiple separate sampling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregating sampler acts as an intermediary device between the production lot and the laboratory analysis. It collects and aggregates samples from the heterogeneous production environment and delivers a homogenized composite sample that accurately represents the entire lot, bridging the gap between complex production variability and simplified laboratory testing.
3Loss of time
If traditional plating techniques are used, then colony formation time is sufficient, but testing duration is too long for real-time decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The aggregating sampler performs preliminary sample collection and aggregation at the production site, preparing the sample in advance for rapid laboratory analysis. This preliminary action ensures that when the sample reaches the laboratory, it is ready for immediate processing, reducing overall testing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical plating methods with molecular biology-based techniques such as PCR and antibody-based detection. These techniques detect pathogens directly in the aggregated sample without requiring colony formation, reducing testing duration from days to hours while maintaining or improving detection accuracy through the increased sample concentration achieved by aggregation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, a method may include providing at least one aggregating sampler at one or more sampling locations, and sampling a production lot of produce or other food items such as meat using the at least one aggregating sampler to create one or more samples that makes up a microbial sampling. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, an apparatus, such as a microbial aggregating sampler, may include a covering having a microbial sampling material with a pocket formed in the covering to receive an appendage or a tool for handling of the covering.