Ks. Manja et R. Sankaran, METHODS FOR DETERMINING BACTERIAL-POPULATIONS IN FOODS AND FOOD-PRODUCTS - A CRITICAL-EVALUATION, Journal of Food Science and Technology, 31(1), 1994, pp. 1-10
Bacterial population in food may cause foodborne infections on consump
tion or spoilage of food, if stored under adverse environmental condit
ions. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to estimate their popul
ation in foods. There are several methods for determining the bacteria
l population in foods, each one having its own advantages and disadvan
tages. Rapid method to estimate microbial load in food and food produc
ts assumes critical importance from the view point of requirement of f
ood industry and the consumers. This review critically analyses the me
thods for estimating bacterial populations in foods and discusses the
rapid methods for food quality. The advantages and limitations of the
methods are also delineated.