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- What we're looking for
- What we can offer you
- Who we are
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Background
Ensuring food safety is the number one priority in food, including chocolate production. Rigorous quality control measures are in place, but the unique properties of chocolate, such as its high-fat content and low water activity, create an environment in which Salmonella detection is a slow process.
Chocolate's composition, which includes fats, sugars, and proteins, can interfere with the efficiency of microbiological assays and detection methods. Additionally, contamination in chocolate is rare and when observed at is at very low levels, necessitating highly sensitive testing methods to identify pathogens reliably.
Detecting any low contamination levels in this complex matrix of chocolate often requires sample preparations and pre-enrichments to allow bacteria to multiply to detectable levels, thereby significantly increasing the time to results and the labor required to run the assays.
What we're looking for
We are seeking innovative, cost-effective solutions that can accelerate the detection of Salmonella in cocoa and chocolate within production environments.
Solutions of interest include:
- Specialty growth media
- Spectrophotometric methods
- RNA-based tests (e.g., RT-qPCR, CRISPR)
- Automated protocols that minimize sample handling requirements
- Biosensor-based platforms
- Immunoassays optimized for chocolate matrices
Our must-have requirements are:
- Detects Salmonella ssp., including atypical subspecies (e.g. lactose positive, non-motile)
- Detection limit must be 1 CFU (colony forming unit) per 375g of product or equivalent
- Total testing duration 8h or less
- Demonstrates potential for cost efficiency, with a target cost per test of less than 50 Euros (at scale)
Our nice-to-have's are:
- Requires minimal operator training
- Avoids hazardous reagents or equipment
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 4-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
We will offer research funds up to 100k USD for early stage solutions. Additionally, for later stage solutions, we could fund the co-development to finalize the invention and license / purchase the technologyExpertise
Access to Cargill cocoa & chocolate scientists, engineers and operations, packaging and sustainability experts.Who we are
Our global team includes more than 1,500 research, development, applications, technical services and intellectual property specialists working in more than 200 locations. Together, they provide a spectrum of services encompassing technical service, applications, development, research, intellectual asset management, and scientific and regulatory affairs.
Learn moreReviewers
CN
Christine Nowakowski
Category Innovation Advisor
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros
Technology Scout
SH
Sonia Henry
KM Lead
Q&A with Cargill
The Q&A is now closed.
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Q.
What analytical sample size do you imagine? If the required LOD is 1 CFU/375 g, this implies an analytical sample size much larger than 375 g based on simple sampling statistics.
2
A.
Hi Harold,
LOD target is <1cfu/375g – and that requires a sensitive method. We actually follow ISO 16140-1 /2 for validation which actually specifies a 375g sample. The ISO method provides detailed explanations are provided with respect to LOD, if needed.
Best regards, Dimitris
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 12, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
If a Salmonella CFU is present on average at 1 viable cell per 375 g, then there is a significant probability that there will be no viable cells in a random 375 g sample. Thus, in order to detect reliably the presence of Salmonella when present at an average of just 1 CFU/375 g or less, you must sample several times 375 g.
2
A.
Hi Harold,
you are indeed correct. However ISO, 16140-1 /2 also takes into account repetitions. I recommend reviewing the published standard for additional detail.
Best regards, Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 13, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Are qualitative results acceptable when the limit of detection (LOD) is 1 CFU/375g, or are quantitative results preferred?
1
A.
Indeed, qualitative is acceptable.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 16, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
What level of multiplexing should the ideal method provide? How many subspecies need to be detected (please specify a number)? Should the method only detect, or also identify the type of subspecies?
1
A.
Hi Krzysztof, detection only is acceptable. For subspecies, we are looking for at least 2, preferably up to 10 serotypes.
Best regards, Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 16, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Could an imaging method based on computer vision and generative AI be proposed?
1
A.
Hi Orlando, if this detection criteria can be fulfilled by an imaging approach, we are more than happy to learn of it.
Best regards, Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
March 24, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have doc.conclusions of the NAS of Ukraine, confirming the high bactericidal effect of our nanodrugs against Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus (aureus,epidermidis),Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc. Is this of interest?
1
A.
HI Mykhailo, thank you for reaching out. This RFP is focused on detection, and such this is out of scope, but I will ensure this information is retained.
Best regards, Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 25, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Hi, if a proposal gets awarded, do you have a research agreement in place and could we obtain a draft copy before applying to Cargill calls. We are a university and prefer to know what conditions this award may hold. Thank you. Rina Cohen
RC
Rina Cohen, Research Development, McGill University
February 6, 2025
1
A.
Hi Rina, we generally don't have a predetermined structure for research agreements, as they usually depend on scope, strategic significance of the subject, background IP and the preferred way of working for the partner.
As a guiding principle however, research agreements (versus unrestricted grants) are negotiated to include some kind of return for the funding provided. This will vary depending on the stage and the interests of the partner, but could include for example IP, favorable commercial terms once commercialized, possibilities for exclusivities or guarantees for priority in order fulfillments, but this is something that is discussed and mutually agreed before the start of any work.
No obligations funding is available for some challenges, but that would be marked as "unrestricted grant", and not "research funding".
I hope this helps clarify! Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 7, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Our extensive team works at the intersection of phages as biorecognition elements for microfluidic sensors. Does this area interest you? Do you have limitations on readout for Salmonella?
LU
February 11, 2025
1
A.
Hi Larry, thanks for reaching out. It is difficult for me to discern how this technology could accelerate the detection time, as (if I follow correctly) it is part of a larger system (microfluidic cells). I would recommend submitting a proposal on this platform with a brief explanation of what the approach is, and how does it address the must-haves listed above.
Best regards, Dimitris.
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 12, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have a transistor-based technology that uses disposable test strips for a variety of diagnostics. It might be of interest to you for tackling this food safety problem. More details can be provided if interested.
Best
MY
Mingder Yang, Tech Transfer, University of Florida
February 14, 2025
1
A.
Hi Mingder, if you think this technology could satisfy the mast haves of the RFP, I would recommend submitting a proposal.
Best regards, Dimitris
DL
Dimitris Lykomitros, Technology Scout, Cargill
February 14, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Hi, I'm an expert in food microbiology and molecular techniques. My PhD focused on PCR-based detection of foodborne pathogens. I almost found this great opportunity; could I get an extension to submit a proposal?
1
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