3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate Receives International Validation

3M Food Safety’s Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate has received an NF Validation certification granted by AFNOR Certification (#3M 01/19-11/17), as validated by comparison to the ISO 15214 reference method. The scope of the validation is the enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria in all human food products (excluding yogurts), and industrial environment samples.

Earlier this year, the plate became the first-ever lactic acid bacteria test to receive a validation from a third-party scientific organization when it gained AOAC Performance Tested Methods designation, the company said.

The ready-to-use plate simplifies the testing process for lactic acid bacteria spoilage organisms with a self-contained anaerobic environment. Companies can use the technology to obtain accurate results in less time, monitor shelf life, reduce waste, minimize recalls, and improve the look, taste, texture and smell of their products.

The NF Validation certification process is comprised of two phases, beginning with a method comparison study in which a single, expert lab thoroughly tests the new technology’s effectiveness versus standard methods. Phase two involves an inter-laboratory study where several laboratories compare the efficacy of both the new test method and reference method under defined conditions of reproducibility and repeatability. In this case, the collaborative study included 15 laboratories across Europe.

The validation for the 3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate certifies the solution is equivalent to the standard reference methods in enumerating lactic acid bacteria in all human foods, excluding yogurt, as well as in samples from the food processing environment.

“The undesirable changes lactic acid bacteria can cause may deteriorate food or beverage products and sully a brand’s reputation,” said Marie-Pierre Copin, 3M Food Safety’s European regulatory affairs specialist. For more information, visit the product page for the 3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plates.