LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a fast and accurate assay for detecting E. coli in meat. The assay is most effective at detecting groups of E. coli containing Shiga toxins, which can lead to milder symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, or the potentially fatal Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. The assay gives final results in minutes and does not require expensive machinery, such as PCR thermal cyclers.