The market survey showed that cold dishes were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes.
A rapid multiplex PCR assay was developed for three pathogens.
The assay was 100% specific across 86 strains.
The assay was sensitive with a detection limit of 103 cfu/ml for pure cultures.
The practical sample testing by multiplex PCR was satisfactory.