New Neogen Sample Collection Tools with Wide Spectrum Neutralizer

October 20, 2026
Hailey Hoffman

In food and beverage manufacturing, robust environmental monitoring programs (EMPs) serve as the primary line of defense against microbial contamination and foodborne pathogen risks. It is critical to maintain integration between tools used within EMPs and sanitation teams to ensure integrity throughout the sampling and testing process.

Common sanitizing agents — such as quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), peroxyacetic acid (PAA), high-acid cleaners, and chlorine-based chemicals — can kill or injure target microorganisms during sample collection, resulting in dangerous false-negative test results. And traditional neutralizing media often contain PCR inhibitors, animal-derived materials, or known allergens, or they limit sample hold times to just 48 hours.

To solve these critical plant floor challenges, Neogen has expanded its sample collection portfolio with the Wide Spectrum Neutralizer (WSN)—now pre-hydrated across three purpose-built sampling devices available through Nelson-Jameson.


Ensuring Food Safety

Explore our diverse range of accurate and easy-to-use sample collection tools.

Nelson-Jameson worker using the Neogen sample collection sponge

A Superior Neutralizing Solution for Food Processing

Engineered to outperform traditional neutralizing media like Letheen Broth, Neutralizing Buffer, D/E Broth, and Buffered Peptone Water (BPW), Neogen Wide Spectrum Neutralizer delivers unmatched reliability and operational flexibility:

  • Comprehensive Sanitizer Inactivation: Effectively neutralizes quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), high-acid cleaners, chlorine-based sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxyacetic acid (PAA)-based chemicals.
  • Extended 96-Hour Sample Hold Time: Allows up to a 96-hour sample hold time under refrigeration (2–8°C)—doubling the standard 48-hour limit of conventional media and accommodating demanding weekend or remote testing schedules.
  • Clean & Safe Formulation: Formulated without known allergenic components, PCR inhibitors, animal-derived materials (ADMs), or genetically modified organism (GMO)-derived ingredients.
  • Downstream Assay Compatibility: Designed specifically for seamless compatibility with both Neogen Petrifilm Plates and the Neogen Molecular Detection System.
  • Convenient Storage: Pre-use storage at room temperature (15–25°C) simplifies facility inventory management.

Three Purpose-Built Sampling Devices for Every Facility Zone

Neogen Environmental Scrub Sampler with Wide Spectrum Neutralizer

For rough, uneven, or heavily soiled processing surfaces, standard swabs or sponges can shred or tear. For years, the Neogen Environmental Scrub Sampler has been the standard and features an innovative multilayered non-woven composite material equipped with scrub dot technology to physically disrupt resilient biofilms and maximize organism recovery.

  • Biofilm Disruption: Scrub dots effectively scour tough equipment textures without falling apart.
  • Metal Detectable Ergonomic Stick: Includes an easy-to-use 1-step twist detachment mechanism and a metal-detectable handle to protect against physical foreign material contamination.
  • AOAC® Certified: Holds AOAC® Performance Tested MethodSM certification (#022104)—the first collection device and neutralizing solution pair to earn this distinction.

The New Neogen Sponge-Stick with Wide Spectrum Neutralizer

Reaching deep into drains, transfer pipes, and around complex machinery often puts technicians at risk of touching sample bags or sponges directly. The Neogen® Sponge-Stick features a stick-mounted 1.5 x 3-inch biocide-free cellulose sponge pre-hydrated with WSN.

  • Hygienic Reach & Handling: The stick features a built-in thumb-stop to prevent contact with the sponge and helps technicians sample hard-to-reach plant areas safely.
  • Convenient Snap-Off Design: Once sampling is complete, the sponge snaps off cleanly from the handle inside the included 6 x 11-inch (30 oz capacity) sample bag, minimizing handling waste and contamination risks.
  • Superior Liquid Retention: Biocide-free cellulose material effectively absorbs and releases samples without excess dripping or affecting microbial viability.

The New Neogen Swab-Sampler with Wide Spectrum Neutralizer

For tight corners, small crevices, bolt heads, and detailed equipment seams, the Neogen® Swab-Sampler provides a self-contained, high-productivity solution.

  • Precision Crevice Access: Designed to reach tight areas where pathogens can hide unnoticed.
  • Vortex-Ready Headspace: Self-contained vial features ample headspace for sample addition and vortexing, ensuring thorough microorganism release into the 1 mL or 10 mL WSN broth.
  • Tech-to-Tech Consistency: Standardized design ensures repeatable, reliable sampling procedures across different shift technicians and plant facilities.

Upgrade Your Plant's Environmental Monitoring Program at Nelson-Jameson

As your single-source distributor for food safety and sanitary processing, Nelson-Jameson supplies the complete lineup of Neogen® sample collection devices pre-hydrated with Wide Spectrum Neutralizer. Paired with our extensive selection of Neogen® Petrifilm® Plates, pathogen test kits, and laboratory supplies, your facility can achieve complete audit readiness and uncompromised food safety.

Download the complimentary Nelson-Jameson Neutralizing Solution Comparison Guide or contact our laboratory specialists at 1-800-826-8302 to optimize your sampling protocols today!

Hailey Hoffman

Product Manager - Laboratory Products

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