Validation of the 3MTM Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella for detection of Salmonella in Dried Cannabis Flower and Dried Hemp Flower: AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM 091501.

Background: The 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella method is based on real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification when used with the 3M Molecular Detection System for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella in enriched products. The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella was approved as AOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC) Performance Tested MethodSM (PTM) Certificate No. 091501 and as AOAC Official Method of AnalysisSM2016.01.

Objective: This matrix extension study evaluated the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella for detection of Salmonella in dried cannabis flower [>0.3% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and dried hemp flower (≤0.3% THC) at a 10 g test portion size.

Method: Matrix studies in dried cannabis and hemp flowers followed procedures outlined in 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella product instructions and Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) for Detection of Salmonella species in Cannabis and Cannabis Products (AOAC SMPR 2020.002). The method was evaluated at low, high, and non-contaminated levels.

Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference between the presumptive positive 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella results and the SMPR 2020.002 recommended cultural confirmations.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella is a reliable method for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella in dried cannabis flower and dried hemp flower.

Highlights: The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2-Salmonella method is suitable for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella in dried cannabis flower and dried hemp flower.