Evaluation of the MPN, Anderson-Baird-Parker, Petrifilm E. coli and Fluorocult ECD method for enumeration of Escherichia coli in foods of animal origin

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Commercially available β-d-glucuronidase (GUR) based methods, Petrifilm E. coli (PEC) and Fluorocult ECD (FECD), and ISO standard MPN and Anderson-Baird-Parker (ABP) procedures were evaluated for routine enumeration of E. coli in naturally contaminated foods of animal origin. The methods concerned were classifiable in a sequence of best qualities for: production, MPN > ABP = PEC = FECD; costs, FECD > ABP = PEC > MPN; time per measurement, ABP = PEC = FECD > MPN; practical use, PEC > FECD > ABP > MPN; detection at low contamination, MPN > ABP = PEC > FECD. The ABP and PEC method appeared useful for routine counting of E. coli in raw meat, poultry and meat products, whereas the MPN procedure turned out to be more sensitive, however, impractical and considerably more expensive. The FECD method was inexpensive although suitable for the enumeration of E. coli at higher contamination level (> 50 cfu/g). The indole and MUG indicators both applied to demonstrate E. coli with the ABP or FECD method proved to be equal in specificity.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology
Volume16
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)197-208
Number of pages12
ISSN0168-1605
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Enumeration method, Escherichia coli, Meat, Poultry

ID: 201152935