Many facilities can't afford to have a full-time microbiologist to test samples, so the responsibility goes instead to employees who may not have an extensive microbiology background. But according to Puckett, Petrifilm plates are simple enough for anyone to use. Super Store Industries also supplements its microbial testing program through its relationship with Quality Chekd Dairies Inc., a member-owned organization of dairies that provides a variety of management services. According to Scherpf, Quality Chekd recommends Petrifilm plates to all its member dairies to help simplify microbial testing and increase labor productivity. We test them using Petrifilm plates to verify that our members meet Quality Chekd's standards.
Simplest method is best.
Puckett knows of other microbial testing options on the market, but says none equals the simplicity of Petrifilm plates. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, 3M is known for an innovative culture that has produced products such as Scotch tapes and Post-it notes. 3M Petrifilm products cover most microbial testing needs, including plates for testing aerobic bacteria, coliforms, E. coli , Enterobacteriaceae , and yeast and mold. P.O. Box 33275, St. Paul, MN 55133-3275.