The polymerase chain reaction(PCR)is an advanced molecular technology that can be used for the rapid and specific detection of foodborne pathogens. Commercial test kits are being developed for application by the food industry as part of safety and quality assurance programs. This project is characterizing the BAX PCR system for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. The specificity and sensitivity of the initial BAX system have been characterized using cell cultures, and the optimal conditions for preparation of cell lysates have been determined. Future work will measure the sensitivity and specificity of the system when used with mixed cell populations, such as are present in enrichment cultures, and will study the effects of different enrichment culturing techniques.