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AACC International Approved Methods - AACC Method 42-15.01. Coliform -- E. coli

AACC International Approved Methods

Microorganisms

AACCI Method 42-15.01
Coliform -- E. coli

VIEW METHOD

Objective
The coliform/E. coli count can be a part of a measure of the overall quality of a food product or ingredient. Generally, high coliform counts indicate low product quality. In finished products, high coliform counts can be related to contaminated raw ingredients, underprocessing, or mishandling during or after processing. Elevated counts could indicate a potential health hazard in which pathogens and or toxins may be present. If coliform counts are high, conditions may be favorable for pathogenic bacteria. The identification of Escherichia coli in products or ingredients can indicate possible fecal contamination. This method is applicable to all types of food products and ingredients.