NONSPECIFIC ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY FOR MOLDS IN FOODS

A nonspecific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect molds in foods by producing an antibody to a mixture of six common molds, Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium poae, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor circinelloides, and Penicillium chrys ogenum. This antibody recognized these mold genera plus 10 others but not yeasts. Mold antigens added into Cheddar and cottage cheeses, frui t juices, nonfat dry milk, raisins, and yogurt could be detected. Mold s (10(2) spores/g) inoculated into cottage cheese and yogurt and allow ed to grow at 7 or 22 degrees C were detected at 10(3) CFU/g. A nonspe cific ELISA could be developed to detect general mold contamination of foods.