As Denmark is one of the largest pork producers worldwide, exports of pork meat play an important role in the Danish economy. During the slaughter process fresh meat may become contaminated with enteric pathogens that can pose a risk to public health. Certain countries have strict legislative demands when importing meat, especially fresh minced meat due to its very short shelf-life. This case study describes the successful development and implementation of a rapid Salmonella detection method at the largest slaughterhouses in Denmark. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.