Nonspecific Enzyme‐Linked lmmunosorbent 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 chrysogenum . This antibody recognized these mold genera plus 10 others but not yeasts. Mold antigens added into Cheddar and cottage cheeses, fruit juices, nonfat dry milk, raisins, and yogurt could be detected. Molds (10 2 spores/g) inoculated into cottage cheese and yogurt and allowed to grow at 7 or 22°C were detected at 10 3 CFU/g. A nonspecific ELISA could be developed to detect general mold contamination of foods.