Aim: To compare the BAX system, the Tecra Unique(TM) Salmonella test, and a conventional culture method for the detection of Salmonella in various foods. Methods and Results: Ready-to-eat and raw foods were inoculated with Salmonella serotype Typhimurium, Salmonella serotype Enteritidis, Salmonella serotype Typhi, or Salmonella serotype Derby. Incubated pre-enrichment cultures were examined using the BAX system, the Tecra Unique(TM) Salmonella test, and a conventional culture method. Salmonella could be detected in all ready-to-eat food samples inoculated with S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, or S. Derby, with any of the three test methods. However, false negatives were obtained with the Tecra test and the culture method when samples with higher background flora were inoculated with S. Typhi. Sensitivity test results suggested the two rapid tests performed as well as the culture method in the detection of 10(1) CFU of S. Typhimurium in 25-g cooked or raw food. Conclusions: The BAX system and the Tecra Unique(TM) Salmonella test demonstrated results comparable with those of the culture method in the detection of Salmonella serotypes used except S. Typhi. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first evaluation of the BAX system, the Tecra Unique(TM) Salmonella test, and a culture method in the detection of Salmonella in a variety of western and oriental foods.