Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC)

The USP Microbial count test, defined in chapter 61 of the United States Pharmacopoeia, is a product safety test. For the cosmetic, medical and food industries, it is extremely important to ensure that the preparation of a product complies with pre-established specifications for microbiological quality. It is recommended by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform these tests on cosmetics and personal care products as well as pharmaceuticals.

The USP test method mainly covers the following basic counts in the sample:

• Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC, total aerobic microbial count)
• Total yeast and mold count (TYMC, total yeast and mold count)

Yeast and mold are widely found in nature (in air, water, soil, and vegetation) and can thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. Plants grown outdoors, in particular, are exposed to wider ranges and larger populations of fungal species. However, improper watering, soil and fertilizer type, and poor air circulation can increase the likelihood of mold growth in indoor environments. If the humidity and temperature levels of drying and curing rooms are not carefully controlled, fungi or their reproductive byproducts may develop in the final product.

The total yeast and mold count (TYMC) is used as an indicator of the overall cleanliness of the product's life cycle, from cultivation, processing, transportation and storage. Products with high total yeast and mold counts can be harmful to both consumers and growers.

Yeasts and molds are two different forms of naturally occurring fungi found in the environment. Healthy plants have manageable amounts of the fungus that do not cause problems, but when conditions are ripe fungal growth can quickly grow out of control and cause a health risk. Fungi cannot be eliminated from growing plants, so it is important to manage their levels carefully and prevent uncontrolled fungal growth.

Although the majority of molds and yeasts found in the environment are harmless, some fungi cause spoilage and produce mycotoxins, a byproduct that is toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, in order to protect consumer safety, there are regulations that limit the total number of yeasts and molds allowed.

Generally, the cause of fungal contamination in the facility is due to sources such as stagnant water, dead plant material, contamination from external sources, or improper drying and curing. Poor cleaning practices and improper air purification and flow are also common sources of increased fungal growth.

Total yeast and mold counts (TYMC) are used to detect and quantify the amount of fungal growth on plant material and allow identification of live yeast and mold species present. Fungal abundance is reported as the number of colony-forming units.

Advanced laboratories offer a comprehensive range of selective culture media to determine the total yeast and mold count (TYMC) in raw materials, water and finished pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Total yeast and mold count (TYMC) is a testing method for detecting fungi in pharmaceutical ingredients ranging from raw materials, water to finished products. It is part of the qualitative phase of bioburden testing to determine the presence or absence of specific microorganisms. For pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers, ensuring their products are free of dangerous microbes such as yeast and mold is critical to safety.

Another part of the microbial count is the total aerobic microbial count (TAMC). This method is used to determine the total number of aerobic bacteria.

Both test methods meet the highest industry performance standards stipulated by the “ISO 11133 Microbiology of food, animal feed and water - Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media” standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies provided to businesses by our organization, there are also total yeast and mold count (TYMC) services.