IAFP European Symposium 2025 – Technical Session 9

T9: Evaluation of Easy Plate YM-R™ for Enumerating Yeasts and Molds in Both High and Low Water Activity Foods

Introduction

Kikkoman Biochemifa Company will be presenting new validation data for Easy Plate YM-R™, a ready-to-use (RTU) culture medium developed for the rapid enumeration of yeasts and molds. The product enables results in 48 to 72 hours and is suitable for both high and low water activity foods. This presentation will take place as part of Technical Session 9 (T9) at the IAFP European Symposium 2025.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of Easy Plate YM-R™ in alignment with AOAC Performance Tested Methods℠, MicroVal, and NordVal certification requirements, with particular focus on applied statistical methods for method validation.

Study Overview

Methodology:

Easy Plate YM-R™ was compared against ISO 21527-1/2 (2008) and BAM Chapter 18 (2001). Validation was conducted across diverse product categories including:

• Dairy
• Fruits and produce
• Multicomponent foods
• Bakery items
• Meat and poultry
• Dried foods
• Confectionery
• Pet foods
• Environmental swabs

Parameters assessed include:

• Relative trueness: 135 items using Bland-Altman plots
• Repeatability and accuracy: β-ETIs and confidence intervals (19 items)
• Selectivity: 50 inclusivity strains, 30 exclusivity strains Robustness, consistency, and stability: via ANOVA

Key Findings

• At 48 hours, Easy Plate YM-R™ demonstrated agreement with reference methods in three categories: produce, multicomponent foods, and environmental samples
• At 72 hours, consistent agreement was achieved across all tested food types, within ±0.5 log or recalculated acceptance limits
• Selectivity surpassed reference methods, with the medium supporting growth of all tested xerophilic and non-xerophilic inclusivity strains, and inhibiting all exclusivity strains
• Robustness testing indicated the importance of maintaining correct incubation temperature
• Consistency and long-term product stability were also confirmed

Conclusion

Easy Plate YM-R™ is a robust and time-saving alternative to traditional yeast and mold testing methods. It offers a simplified workflow, wide applicability across food matrices, and strong statistical validation. The method is especially valuable for manufacturers managing both high and low water activity products.

Presenters

• Shinichiro Sugiura – Primary Author and Presenter, Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Daiki Utsunomiya – Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Alice Foxall – Campden BRI
• Suzanne Jordan – Campden BRI

We welcome IAFP EU 2025 attendees to join Technical Session 9 (T9) to learn more about the validation and application of Easy Plate YM-R™ in microbiological testing. For additional information or to request a meeting during the event, please contact us through our [inquiry form] or speak with your local representative.

IAFP European Symposium 2025 – Poster Session P1-69

Evaluation of Accuracy and Efficiency for Novel Automatic Colony Counting System for Ready-to-Use Culture Media, Easy Plate™

Introduction

Ready-to-use (RTU) culture media improves food safety testing by offering quicker preparation, compact form, easy handling, and clearer visibility of colonies compared to traditional agar media. However, manual colony counting remains labor-intensive and requires trained personnel. To enhance efficiency, an automated colony counting solution is necessary.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the rapidity and accuracy of a new Colony Counting System (CCS) developed for Easy Plate™ (Kikkoman Biochemifa Company). The CCS uses a general document scanner with an automatic feeder and dedicated analysis software based on object detection through machine learning.

Method

Ten types of food samples were diluted and plated on Easy Plate media for Aerobic Count (AC) and Coliform Count (CC) testing. Three levels of contamination were prepared, and results from the CCS were compared with conventional manual counting in terms of processing time and colony count accuracy.

Results

The CCS processed each sheet in approximately 5.0 to 6.4 seconds, regardless of bacterial load. In contrast, manual counting took between 13.8 and 44.5 seconds per sheet, especially longer at lower contamination levels (10–50 CFU/sheet). The correlation coefficient between the CCS and manual counting was over 0.98 for both AC and CC tests. These findings indicate that the CCS can reduce counting time by approximately 77% without compromising accuracy.

Significance

Combining ready-to-use culture media with an automated counting system provides an efficient, accurate, and cost-saving approach to microbiological testing. This innovation is particularly valuable for high-throughput environments in food safety laboratories.

Presenters

• Shinichiro Sugiura, Primary Author, Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Kentaro Takenaka, Abstract Presenter, Kikkoman Corporation

Environmental Monitoring in the Food Industry: Advancing Hygiene with Innovative ATP Testing

Webinar Synopsis:

In this educational session, we will explore the importance of environmental monitoring programs in the food industry, with a particular focus on advanced sanitation methods. Attendees will gain insights into the science behind environmental monitoring, the role of ATP testing in hygiene verification, and how new technologies can enhance sanitation practices to meet the demands of food safety.

Key topics to be covered:

The Science of Environmental Monitoring:

Explore the fundamental principles of environmental monitoring in the food industry, including its importance in identifying and reducing pathogen risk. Learn how effective environmental monitoring programs can improve sanitation and protect public health.

ATP Testing: Advancements and Applications:

Understand how ATP testing plays a crucial role in sanitation programs. We’ll introduce next-generation ATP A3 technology and outline what it means for sanitation programs to be able to detect all three adenylates (ATP+ADP+AMP).

Environmental Monitoring Program Design:

Learn how to develop and implement an effective environmental monitoring program. We’ll discuss strategies for integrating testing protocols that ensure reliable hygiene practices, minimize contamination risks, and support compliance with food safety regulations.

Case Studies and Best Practices:

Hear about real-world examples of successful environmental monitoring and sanitation efforts, showcasing how companies have enhanced food safety, minimized cross-contamination, and optimized their hygiene protocols.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Program:

While we’ll focus on the science and methodology behind effective environmental monitoring, we’ll also discuss how modern solutions, such as next-generation ATP A3 testing technology, can complement and enhance existing hygiene programs.

Target Audience:

This session is ideal for quality assurance managers, sanitation professionals, and food safety experts looking to enhance their environmental monitoring practices, improve sanitation effectiveness, and comply with regulatory standards. By focusing on the science behind environmental monitoring, we aim to provide valuable insights for those looking to improve their food safety and hygiene programs, while showcasing innovative tools as one of many solutions available in the field.

Takeaway:

Stay informed on the latest trends and advancements in environmental monitoring to ensure safer food production and safeguard both public health and brand reputation.

Reference 

• ATP Rapid Hygiene Monitoring (ATP Test)｜Test kit ❘ Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• What is the Kikkoman ATP Test ?｜Test kit ❘ Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Why does ATP need to be measured?｜Test kit ❘ Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Special Offers- USA & Canada only｜Test kit ❘ Kikkoman Biochemifa Company
• Lumitester Smart APP｜Test kit ❘ Kikkoman Biochemifa Company