The test uses a dual-sensing indicator technology for enumeration of colonies in raw material, in-process and finished product food and environmental air, swab or surface contact testing.
It is capable of incubating yeast and mold for easier quantification and interpretation in 48 hours versus five to seven days, as with other methods.
The indicator test was backed by the Performance Tested Methods (PTM) Program at the start of last year and was launched in 2013.
Jason Semerad, global marketing manager at 3M Food Safety, said yeast and mold testing has been a challenge for years, as food producers are forced to hold finished goods until the final aspect of release testing is completed.
“This latest validation demonstrates 3M’s continued commitment to providing fast, reliable, and accurate indicator tests that meet the most stringent industry requirements and gives our global customers additional confidence in using our new technology to support faster product release decisions, longer shelf lives and reduced inventory holding costs.”