Lactic acid bacteria can enhance product attributes, or cause them to
be recalled or discarded due to spoilage, depending on how well it is
controlled.
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
In food processing, lactic acid bacteria can be friend or foe. Kept in
check, these organisms help produce fermented foods ranging from smooth
yogurts to crunchy pickles – and can even be leveraged for probiotic
purposes. But under low oxygen, low temperature and acidic conditions,
the bacteria can cause spoilage, discoloration, bloated packages and
textures, odors and flavors that displease customers, trigger recalls
and cause food waste.
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3M(TM) Petrifilm(TM) Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate (Photo: Business Wire).
To help food processing companies streamline complicated labor intensive
testing methods, 3M Food Safety introduces the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Lactic
Acid Bacteria Count Plate with a more efficient, all-in-one solution for
monitoring lactic acid bacteria levels in food products and
manufacturing environments. The plate offers all of the time-honored
benefits of the award-winning 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates – simplicity,
reliability, productivity, and sustainability – while eliminating the
need for the costly anaerobic equipment used with traditional methods.
For the first time ever, the 3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count
Plate combines oxygen-scavenging technology and oxygen-barrier films to
create a self-contained anaerobic environment. Now food processors and
testing laboratories can get true, accurate anaerobic results using
aerobic incubation conditions, providing enhanced recovery of lactic
acid bacteria within 48 hours.
“Food manufacturers are becoming more aware of the impact lactic acid
bacteria plays on their products’ quality and shelf life,” said John
David, 3M Food Safety global marketing manager. "Our hope and belief is
that the improved and easier testing process made possible with the 3M
Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate will enable them to more
effectively monitor this group of microorganisms and make confident
decisions about their product quality, helping to reduce waste, minimize
recalls and protect brand reputation.”
In contrast to traditional methods, 3M’s advanced technology can be used
to test a wide range of foods and environmental surfaces. The company
expects its plate will be especially valuable for manufacturers of meat,
fish and poultry products, processed foods, produce, dairy products, and
various dressings and sauces. If the test determines lactic acid
bacteria levels are unacceptable, companies may want to adjust their
processing conditions or intensify cleaning and sanitation.
3M Food Safety, a leader of innovative solutions that help the food and
beverage industries optimize the quality and safety of their products to
enable consumer protection and improve their bottom lines, is pursuing
third-party scientific validations such as AOAC and ISO for its new
technology. To order the 3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate,
or learn more about it and related products, individuals can contact
their local sales representative, call (800) 328-6553 or visit http://3M.com/foodsafety/PetrifilmLAB.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to
improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees
connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s
creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com
on Twitter at @3M or @3MNewsroom.

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Source: 3M