3M Food Safety announced that the 3M Petrifilm Rapid E. coli/Coliform Count Plate, a next day indicator test that quantifies the presence of E. coli and other coliform bacteria, has earned Performance Tested Method (PTM) Certificate number 051801 from the AOAC Research Institute. 3M introduced the plate in February as a versatile microbial test that enables food and beverage processors to realize greater operational efficiencies and ship products sooner.

The AOAC PTM designation validated the 3M Petrifilm Rapid E. coli/Coliform Count Plate as an equivalent alternative to FDA and ISO standard reference methods to enumerate these bacteria. The evaluation was performed by an independent laboratory on a broad range of food and environmental surfaces including: raw, pasteurized and powdered dairy products; raw and prepared meat, poultry and seafood; fresh fruit and produce; baby food; pet food and flour. 3M is also pursuing MicroVal validation in accordance with ISO 16140-2.