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User Responsibility
Users are responsible for familiarizing themselves with product instructions and information. Visit our website at
www.3M.com/foodsafety
, or contact your local 3M representative or distributor for more information.
When selecting a test method, it is important to recognize that external factors such as sampling methods, testing
protocols, sample preparation, handling, and laboratory technique may influence results.
It is the user’s responsibility in selecting any test method or product to evaluate a sufficient number of samples with the
appropriate matrices and microbial challenges to satisfy the user that the chosen test method meets the user’s criteria.
It is also the user’s responsibility to determine that any test methods and results meet its customers’ and suppliers’
requirements.
As with any test method, results obtained from use of any 3M Food Safety product do not constitute a guarantee of the
quality of the matrices or processes tested.
Limitation of Warranties / Limited Remedy
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN A LIMITED WARRANTY SECTION OF INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT PACKAGING, 3M
DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. If any 3M Food Safety Product is defective, 3M or its
authorized distributor will, at its option, replace or refund the purchase price of the product. These are your exclusive
remedies. You must promptly notify 3M within sixty days of discovery of any suspected defects in a product and return
it to 3M. Please call Customer Service (1-800-328-1671 in the U.S.) or your official 3M Food Safety representative for a
Returned Goods Authorization.
Limitation of 3M Liability
3M WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS. In no event shall 3M’s liability under
any legal theory exceed the purchase price of the product alleged to be defective.
Storage
Store the unopened 3M Petrifilm EL Plate pouches refrigerated or frozen at temperatures lower than or equal to 8ºC
(46ºF). Just prior to use, allow the unopened 3M Petrifilm EL Plate pouches to come to room temperature before opening
(20-25°C (68-77°F) / <60% RH). Return the unused 3M Petrifilm EL Plates to pouch. Seal by folding the end of the pouch
over and applying adhesive tape.
To prevent exposure to moisture, do not refrigerate opened pouches.
Store resealed
3M Petrifilm EL Plate pouches in a cool dry place for no longer than four weeks.
It is recommended that resealed pouches
of 3M Petrifilm EL Plates be stored in a freezer if the laboratory temperature exceeds 25ºC (77ºF) and/or the laboratory is
located in a region where the relative humidity exceeds 50% (with the exception of air-conditioned premises).
To store opened pouches in a freezer, place the 3M Petrifilm EL Plates in a sealable container. To remove the frozen 3M
Petrifilm EL Plates for use, open the container, remove the plates that are needed and immediately return remaining
plates to the freezer in the sealed container. The freezer that is used for open pouch storage must not
have an automatic
defrost cycle as this would repeatedly expose the 3M Petrifilm EL Plates to moisture which can damage the plates.
Do not use 3M Petrifilm EL Plates that show discoloration. Use by date and batch code are noted on each package of
the 3M Petrifilm EL Plates. The lot number is also noted on individual 3M Petrifilm EL Plates. The 3M Petrifilm EL Plates
should not be used past their use by date.
Disposal
After use, the 3M Petrifilm EL Plates may contain microorganisms that may be a potential biohazard. Follow current
industry standards and local regulations for disposal of biohazardous waste.
Instructions for Use
Follow all instructions carefully. Failure to do so may lead to inaccurate results.
Sample Preparation
1. Collect environmental samples using a swab, pre-moistened sponge or other collection device. The moistening
agent can be sterile diluent or a buffer such as letheen broth or neutralizing buffer.
2. Aseptically add 5 mL sterile (20-30°C) buffered peptone water
4,5
(used as repair broth) to the collected sample.
3. Mix, homogenize, or vortex the collected sample (step #1) with repair broth for approximately one minute.
4. Allow collected sample to remain at room temperature, 20-30°C for 1 hour up to a maximum of 1.5 hours.
5. For optimal bacterial growth or recovery, the sample should have a pH between 4 and 9.
