Mold and yeast are among the most important spoilage agents in food. However, these harmful microorganisms often create uncertainty in food safety. Here, we will debunk some of the most common misconceptions about yeast and mold.
1. If there is mold on the food, you can just scrape it off
Mold is not only unappetizing but also dangerous. Some species produce mycotoxins, which can cause acute poisoning as well as chronic health effects including cancer, genetic damage and damage to the immune system. Mycotoxins are very stable and difficult to remove from the product. Moreover, mold is not just the visible fuzz on the surface. Inside the food, the mold forms a thread-like structure that cannot be seen with the naked eye. That is why just cutting off the moldy spot is not enough.
2. If food is cooled enough, mold will not grow
Yeast and mold are relatively easy-to-please microorganisms: they grow at low pH values, in dry environments and even at refrigerator temperatures. Yeast does not even need oxygen. As a result, yeast and mold can spoil a wide variety of foods. Fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products are especially at risk. However, baked goods, nuts, spices and dried fruit are also perfect breeding grounds for mold. Regular microbiological analysis is therefore particularly important for companies processing these types of food.
3. Microbiological testing takes a lot of time
- Microbiological analysis is based on growing microorganisms. Traditional methods really do require long incubation times of three to seven days before results are available.
- This creates a problem for food manufacturers, because the batch concerned may not be shipped until the test results are available. This leads to delays in delivery and extra costs, because storage facilities remain occupied for many days and cannot be used for new batches.
- However, there have been technical advances, and faster microbiological tests are now available – for example, the Compact Dry YMR Yeast and Mold Rapid plate from Shimadzu Nissui. This rapid test is easy to use and detects yeast and mold in all relevant sample matrices within just 48 to 72 hours. Moreover, the ready-to-use culture medium plate also allows surface testing.
Pacific Scientific Equipment Technical Company Limited is currently the exclusive distributor of Compact Dry plates from Shimadzu Diagnostic in Vietnam. Please see details of the Compact Dry YMR Yeast and Mold Rapid plate at the following link:
https://pacificlab.vn/vi/shops/phong-thi-nghiem/dia-compact-dry-men-moc-nhanh-compact-dry-ymr-yeast-and-mold-rapid-shimadzu.html
