The Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate was validated in comparison to the ISO 15214 reference method.
Validation scope is enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria in all human foods (excluding yogurts) and industrial environment samples.
During the fermentation process of yogurt production the lactose in milk is broken down into lactic acid - an intended component in yogurt.
Manufacturers typically use alternatives such as measuring the pH value to guarantee they have right amount of lactic acid bacteria in the final product.
The ready-to-use plate simplifies the testing process for lactic acid bacteria spoilage organisms with a self-contained anaerobic environment.
Companies can use it to get results quicker, monitor shelf life, reduce waste, minimize recalls and improve the look, taste, texture and smell of products.
NF VALIDATION includes a method comparison study in which an expert lab tests the technology’s effectiveness versus standard methods.
It also involves an inter-laboratory study where several labs compare efficacy of the test method and reference method under defined conditions of reproducibility and repeatability. The collaborative study included 15 labs across Europe.
The plate also has AOAC Performance Tested Methods designation.
Marie-Pierre Copin, 3M Food Safety’s European regulatory affairs specialist, said it gives processors a validated tool to help their quality assurance efforts.
“The undesirable changes lactic acid bacteria can cause may deteriorate food or beverage products and sully a brand’s reputation.”
At the meeting in November, the NF VALIDATION Technical Board also extended validation of the method GENE-UP Salmonella from bioMérieux for two new specific protocols (with enrichment step at 37°C): for analysis of cocoa and chocolates (375g) and for milk powders (375g).
Validation renewals (according to EN ISO 16140-2: 2016 protocol) of methods: Thermo Scientific SureTect Listeria monocytogenes PCR Assay, RAPID’E. coli 2 (E. coli 44°C), RAPID’E. coli 2 (E. coli 37°C), RAPID’E. coli 2 (Coliforms 37°C), AL Enumeration, VIDAS Easy Salmonella, TEMPO TC, VIDAS UP E. coli O157, Pathatrix Salmonella spp. kits linked to Selective Agar Detection and Pathatrix Salmonella spp. kits linked to MicroSEQ Salmonella were also given.