IAFP European Symposium 2025 Technical Session

Evaluation of Easy Plate YM-R^TM for Enumerating Yeast and Molds in Both High and Low Water Activity Foods was presented.

Shinichiro Sugiura¹, Daiki Utsunomiya¹, Alice Foxall², Suzanne Jordan²

(1) Kikkoman Biochemifa Company, (2) Campden BRI

About the Presenter

Shinichiro Sugiura is the Product Manager for Kikkoman’s microbiological testing solutions, leading the planning and development of Easy Plate to support global food safety and quality assurance. With expertise in product strategy and regulatory affairs, he is also responsible for AOAC-related certifications, ensuring Easy Plate meets international standards for accuracy and reliability. With a strong background in microbiological testing and market development, Shinichiro plays a key role in advancing Kikkoman’s commitment to innovative, efficient, and user-friendly solutions for the food industry.

Presentation

Certification

Easy Plate YM-R^TM is also certified by AOAC PTM and is widely recognized for its accuracy and ease of use. During the presentation, we demonstrated how YM-R™ can be effectively used for rapid yeast and mold testing, helping streamline microbiological workflows. Access to the certification from the link below

Abstract

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.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of Easy Plate YM-RTM in alignment with AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM, 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 the growth of all tested xerophilic and non-xerophilic inclusivity strains, and inhibiting all exclusivity strains
Robust testing indicated the importance of maintaining the correct incubation temperature
Consistency and long-term product stability were also confirmed

Conclusion

Easy Plate YM-R^TMis 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.