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Overview
3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates are manufactured by the 3M Food Safety Department, part of the Health Care Business Group at 3M Corporation.

Petrifilm Plates are sample-ready-culture- growth medium system which contains nutrients, a cold water-soluble gelling agent, indicator dye(s) to facilitate colony enumeration, and in some cases, selective agents. They are used for the enumeration of bacteria, yeasts and molds in the food and beverage industries.

Petrifilm™ Plates are designed to be as accurate as conventional plating methods, yet more compact and efficient with approximate 10cm x 7.5cm dimension. They are comprised of a top and bottom film and some plates include a foam barrier. Each Petrifilm™ Plate has a 1cm x 1cm yellow grid printed on the bottom film to assist in enumeration. A plastic “spreader” is used to evenly spread the inoculum. The inoculated area for the majority of Petrifilm™ Plates is approximately 20cm2.

Plates are sample-ready, eliminating the time-consuming, cumbersome steps of preparing agar dishes. Some plates further eliminate the need for a subsequent confirmation step as required with traditional agar methods.

3M’s standardized formula improves consistency across users. Each lot of 3M Petrifilm™ Plates is manufactured within an ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility reducing the need for additional user lot qualifications.

3M Petrifilm™ Plates are designed to be as compact and efficient as possible. The shelf-stable, thin design takes up 85% less space than agar dishes, freeing incubator and storage space and reducing biohazardous waste.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate methods are recognized as AOAC™ INTERNATIONAL Official Methods of Analysis (3M™ Petrifilm™ Environmental Listeria Plate and Rapid Yeast and Mold Plates are AOAC-RI Method). The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate Reader is a tool that automates the reading, recording and storage of test data, reduces the potential for human error and provides results in four seconds.

1) Inoculate - 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates are easy to inoculate. Lift the top film and add sample 2) Incubate - The space saving design maximizes incubator space 3) Enumerate – Interpret the count and confirm. 3M Petrifilm™ Plates can also be read in 4 seconds using the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate Reader.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates have been making microbiology testing easier, faster and more accurate for decades.

Sustainability
Sustainability is critical, and Petrifilm™ Plates shelf-stable, thin design takes up 85% less space than agar dishes, freeing incubator and storage space and reducing biohazardous waste.

In 2011, 3M Food Safety, launched an initiative to further reduce waste when using Petrifilm™ Plates by eliminating the printed Instructions For Use booklet that had been included in every box and case.

Food Safety
Various hazards, biological, chemical and physical can enter the food chain at any point. Food Safety is the scientific discipline describing growing, handling, preparation and storage in ways to prevent hazards to prevent foodborne illness.

3M Food Safety Department is a leader of innovative solutions that help the food and beverage industries optimize the quality and safety of their products to enable consumer protection. 3M Food Safety partners with industry professionals to find new ways to keep food safe through smart innovation. 3M Food Safety products are at work in more than 60 countries around the globe.

Petrifilm™ Plate Uses
Petrifilm™ Plates are sample ready testing systems for food microbiology that is typically used in the Food and Beverage Industry. Petrifilm™ Plates are used by Laboratory Technicians working in Regulatory Agencies, Academia for education and research, Research and Development, Agriculture, Food Manufacturing and Processing, Distribution, and Food Preparation. Reference Laboratories use Petrifilm™ Plates to analyze food, beverage and environmental samples as part of their client’s Quality Control Program.

Current heightened focus on food safety and increasingly stringent quality requirements drive laboratories to utilize fast, reliable and consistently accurate test methods. Petrifilm™ Plates are sample ready-made culture growth medium system, eliminating the time-consuming, cumbersome steps of preparing agar dishes. The Petrifilm™ E.coli/Coliform Count, Petrifilm™ Coliform Count, Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count Plates and Petrifilm™ Salmonella Express Count Plates eliminate the need for subsequent confirmation step required with traditional agar methods. Compared to the variability associated with agar preparation, the standardized formula improves consistency across laboratory technicians. Each lot of 3M Petrifilm™ Plates goes through rigorous quality testing at the ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility, reducing the need for lot qualifications in operations making agar. Space is at a premium in the laboratory environment, and Petrifilm™ Plates are designed to be compact and efficient. The shelf-stable, thin design takes up 85% less space than agar dishes, freeing incubator and storage space.

Petrifilm™ Plates are used for testing of raw agricultural inputs, raw materials, in process, and finished product samples in the food, feed and beverage chain.

Petrifilm™ Plates are a convenient and reliable way to detect environmental microbial contamination. The construction of 3M Petrifilm™ Plates allows them to be used for direct contact or swab contact monitoring procedures, for surfaces of sanitary importance to validate and verify cleaning and sanitation programs.

Petrifilm™ Plates are a convenient and reliable way to detect air microbial contamination. The construction of 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates allows them to be hydrated and placed for passive sampling procedures, for areas of sanitary importance as part of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Air Sampling Plates are hydrated with 1mL of appropriate sterile diluents for a minimum of 1 hour prior to use. Open to expose 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate for 15 minutes or less, close and incubate.

Surface Contact Plates are hydrated with 1mL of appropriate sterile diluents for a minimum of 1 hour prior to use. Open 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate and allow the circular gel portion of the top film to contact the surface being tested. Close and incubate.

Swabbing (Sponge or Swab) Sample the surface using the sponge or swab. Dispense one mL of sample onto 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate, close and incubate.

Pathogen Testing 3M™ Petrifilm™ Salmonella Express System was introduced in 2013 and is the first Petrifilm™ Plate specifically designed to detect Salmonella in food, beverage and environmental samples.

Petrifilm™ Plates have been used within the following Industries:
 * Meat
 * Poultry
 * Seafood
 * Bakery/Baked Goods
 * Beer
 * Wine
 * Beverages
 * Candy
 * Chemical
 * Chocolate
 * Confection
 * Cosmetics
 * Personal Care
 * Dairy
 * Environmental
 * Feed
 * Flavorings
 * Food Additives
 * Government
 * Grains
 * Honey
 * Industrial
 * Ingredients
 * Nuts
 * Nutraceutical
 * Oil
 * Pet Food
 * Pharmaceutical
 * Processed Food
 * Produce
 * Reference Lab
 * Snacks
 * Spices
 * Tobacco
 * University
 * Research
 * Water

Organisms
Petrifilm™ Plates are typically used to detect indicator organisms in food and beverages, and the environment in which they are manufactured/prepared. For detecting pathogenic bacteria, Petrifilm™ Salmonella Express System provides qualitative detection and biochemical confirmation of Salmonella in enriched food and food process environmental samples.

Total Aerobic Count Total Viable Count Aerobic Plate Count (APC) is a Quality Indicator Test intended to determine the level of microorganisms in a sample that will grow aerobically within a general temperature range. (reference to AOAC & APHA). Typical counting ranges for an APC is 25-250 CFU.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count (AC) Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains Standard Methods nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent and an indicator that facilitates colony enumeration. 3M Petrifilm™ AC Plates are used for enumeration of aerobic bacteria. A red indicator dye in the plate colors the colonies. All red colonies regardless of their size or color intensity should be counted following the 48 hour incubation. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods: AOAC Official Method 986.33 and 909.10 (mild and dairy products) Incubate 48+ 3 hours at 32°C+1°C. AOAC Official Method 990.12 Incubate 48+ 3 hours at 35°C+1°C. AFNOR Validated Method 3M 01/1-09/89 Incubate 72+ 3 hours at 30°C+1°C.

Coliform Bacteria Coliform is a working term used to describe a group of enteric bacteria that are Gram-negative bacteria, facultative anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria that will ferment lactose to product acid and gas within 48 hours at 35°C. Testing for and enumeration of coliform bacteria is typically used as a quality indicator to indicate sanitary conditions within a process.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Coliform Count (CC) Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains Violet Red Bile (VRB) nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, and a tetrazolium indicator that facilitates colony enumeration.

AOAC International and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) define coliforms as gram-negative rods, which produce acid and gas from lactose fermentation Coliform colonies growing on the 3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plate produce acid, which causes the pH indicator to deepen the gel color; gas trapped around red colonies indicates coliforms.

ISO defines coliforms by their ability to grow in method-specific, selective media. ISO method 4832, enumerating coliforms by colony-count technique, defines coliforms as acid producers on VRB with lactose (VRBL) agar. On 3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plates these acid-producing coliforms are indicated by red colonies with or without gas production.

ISO Method 4831, enumerating coliforms by the most probably number (MPN) method, defines coliforms by their ability to grow and produce gas from lactose in a selective broth. On 3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plates these coliforms are indicated by red colonies associated with gas. AFNOR Certification has validated 3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plate in comparison to ISO method 4831and IS method 4832 for enumeration of total coliforms. AFNOR Certification has also validated 3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plate in comparison to NF V08-060, for enumeration of thermotolerant coliforms.

3M Petrifilm™ Coliform Count Plates are used for detection and enumeration of coliform bacteria. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods: AOAC Official Method of Analysis 986.33 and 909.10 (milk and dairy products) Incubate 24+ 2 hours at 32°C+1°C. AOAC Official Method of Analysis 991.14 (foods) Incubate 24+ 2 hours at 35°C+1°C.

NMKL Method 147.1993 Incubate 24+ 2 hours at 37°C+1°C. AFNOR Validated Method 3M 01/2-09/89A and B (all food types except shellfish): Incubate 24+ 2 hours at 30°C+1°C.

3M™ Petrifilm™ E.coli / Coliform Count (EC/CC) Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains Violet Red Bile (VRB) nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, an indicator of glucuronidase activity, and a tetrazolium indicator that facilitates colony enumeration. Most E. coli (about 97%) produce beta-glucuronidase which produces a blue precipitate associated with the colony. The top film traps gas produced by the lactose fermenting coliforms and E. coli. About 95% of E. coli produce gas, indicated by blue to red-blue colonies associated with entrapped gas on the Petrifilm™ EC plate (within approximately one colony diameter). The interpretation of E. coli colonies on the Petrifilm™ EC Plate varies by method.

3M Petrifilm™ E.coli / Coliform Count Plates are used for detection and enumeration of E. coli and coliform bacteria. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods: AOAC Official Method 991.14 for coliforms (Foods): incubate 24h ± 2h at 35°C ± 1°C for E.coli: incubate 48h ± 2h at 35°C ± 1°C AOAC Official Method 998.08 for E.coli (Meat, Poultry and Seafood): incubate 24h ± 2h at 35°C ± 1°C NMKL method (147.1993) for coliforms: incubate 24h ± 2h at 37°C for E.coli: incubate 48h ± 2h at 37°C

3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid Coliform Count (RCC) Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains Violet Red Bile (VRB) nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, a pH indicator to detect acid and a tetrazolium indicator that facilitates colony enumeration.

Coliform colonies growing on the 3M Petrifilm™ Rapid Coliform Count Plate produce acid, the pH indicator in the plate changes from red-orange to yellow, providing a presumptive indication of coliforms. Gas trapped around coliform colonies indicates confirmed coliforms

Coliform enumeration by acid zones (6-14 hours): Yellow acid zones may begin to appear as early as 6 hours. Coliform colony enumeration (8-24 hours): Red colonies with or without gas may begin to appear as soon as 8 hours and continue to grow throughout incubation.

3M Petrifilm™ Rapid Coliform Count Plates are used for detection and enumeration of coliform bacteria. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods:

AOAC Official Method 2000.15 for coliforms: incubate 24h ± 2h at 35°C ± 1°C for AFNOR Validated Method 3M 01/5-03/97A 14 hour result (as compared to VRBL 30°C method) (Incubate at 30°C for processed pork products.) AFNOR Validated Method 3M 01/5-03/97B 24 hour result (as compared to VRBL 30°C method) (Incubate at 30°C for processed pork products.) AFNOR Validate Method 3M 01/5-03/97C 24 hour result (as compared to MPN)

3M™ Petrifilm™ High Sensitivity Coliform Count (HSCC) Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains Modified Violet Red Bile (VRB) nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, and a tetrazolium indicator that facilitates colony enumeration.

3M™ Petrifilm™ High Sensitivity Coliform Count (HSCC) Plate are used for the enumeration of low levels of coliforms in the food and beverage industries. A 5mL sample is plated onto one plate. This allows a 1-coliform-per-gram sensitivity if a 1:5 dilution of product made. A 2-coliform-per-gram sensitivity is achieved if a 1:10 dilution is used.

3M Petrifilm™ High Sensitivity Coliform Count Plates are used for detection and enumeration of coliform bacteria. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods:

AOAC Official Method 996.02 Coliform Count: in Dairy Products incubate 24h ± 2h at 32°C ± 1°C. All foods except Dairy Products: Incubate 24h ± 2h at 35°C ± 1°C

AFNOR Validated Method 3M 01/7-03/99 Incubate 24h at 30°C ± 1°C or 35°C ± 1°C, or 37°C ± 1°C for total coliforms. Incubate 24h ± 2h at 44°C ± 1°C for thermotolerant coliforms. Incubator humidification is required at this elevated temperature.

Yeast and Molds (Fungus)

Yeasts and Molds (Fungus) are a large and diverse group of microscopic yeasts and molds that includes several hundred species. The groups of organisms have diverse environmental requirements which make detection and enumeration challenging.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Yeast and Mold (YM) Count Plate is a sample ready-made culture growth medium system that contains a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, nutrients and an indicator dye to provide contrast and facilitate counting. 3M Petrifilm™ YM Count Plates are used for detection and enumeration of Yeast and Mold. Incubation time and temperatures varies by method. The most common approved methods:

AOAC Official Method 997.02 for Yeast and Mold Counts (Foods): incubate 5 days at 20-25°C Canada MFHPB-32 for Yeast and Mold Counts (Food Products and Ingredients) Canada MFLP-41A for Yeast and Mold Counts (Environmental Sampling)

Sample Preparation
Weigh and dilute sample in an appropriate diluents. pH adjust and blend or homogenize the sample. Place the Petrifilm™ Plate on a flat, level surface.

Plating
To inoculate, lift the top film and pipette 1mL of sample suspension onto the bottom film. Depending on the plate, the top film is either dropped or slowly rolled. Place the appropriate plastic spreader on the plate and press gently onto the center of the spreader to distribute the sample evenly. Spread the inoculums over the entire Petrifilm™ Plate growth area before the gel is formed, taking care to not slide the spreader across the film. Remove the spreader and leave the plate undisturbed for at least one minute to permit the gel to form.

Incubation
Incubate plates in a horizontal position with the clear top film side up in stacks of no more than 20 plates. Several incubation times and temperatures can be used depending on current local reference methods. See List below

Interpretation
Petrifilm™ Plates can be counted using a standard colony counter or other illuminated magnifier. The circular growth area is approximately 20cm2. Estimates can be made on plates containing counts above the maximum recommended Colony Forming Units (CFU). Each Petrifilm™ Plate has a 1cm x 1cm yellow grid printed on the bottom film to assist in estimation for high CFU. High concentrations and overcrowded plates should be interpreted as Too Numerous To Count (TNTC). When an actual count is required, plate the sample at a higher dilution. Where necessary, colonies may be isolated for further identification Lift the top film and pick the colony from the gel and test using standard procedures. If Petrifilm™ Plates cannot be counted within one hour of removal from the incubator, they may be stored for later enumeration by freezing in a sealable container for one week at -15°C or below.

Petrifilm™ Plate Reader
The 3M Petrifilm™ Plate Reader is an accessory capable of precisely counting colonies on Aerobic Count, Coliform Count, and E. coli/Coliform Count Petrifilm. Numerous studies have shown the 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader to be as precise as manual counting. The 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader is capable of counting colonies on Petrifilm plates in less than 4 seconds.

Petrifilm™ Product List

 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count (AC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Coliform Count (CC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ E. coli / Coliform Count (EC/CC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Yeast and Mold Count (YM) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid Coliform Count (RCC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ High Sensitivity Coliform Count (HSCC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Enterobacteriaceae Count (EB) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count (STX) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ High Sensitivity Coliform Count (CC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Environmental Listeria (EL) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid Yeast & Mold Count (RYM) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aqua Heterotrophic Count (AQHC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aqua Coliform Count (AQCC) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aqua Enterobacteriaceae Count (AQEB) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aqua Yeast & Mold Count (AQYM) Plate
 * 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count (AC) Plate Use for Growing Lactic Acid Bacteria
 * Aerobic Procedure for Lactic Acid Bacteria with 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count (AC) Plates for Monitoring Food and the Environment