Kikkoman’s Easy Plate range has achieved Microval certification following validation studies, based on ISO 16140-2:2016 performed at Campden BRI.

Four different target organisms have been validated:

• Aerobic Bacteria (AC)
• Coliforms (CC)
• E. coli/Coliforms (EC)
• Staphylococcus aureus (SA).

The validation for the Easy Plate Yeast and Mould is ongoing.

Easy Plates are dry film plates, with prepared microbiological culture media ready to rehydrate by the addition of the sample followed by a film covering. Following incubation the plates can be easily ready either manually or using an automated reading system, with different colour colonies indicating specific organisms depending on the plate used.

Advantages include no media preparation for the lab, smaller storage, and incubator space requirements.

The validation studies covered the scope of a broad range of foods. Plus for Easy Plates AC and EC, the scope also included pet food, animal feed and environmental samples.