Strategies in the development of media for the detection of foodborne pathogens

Successful medium development is dependent on using a systematic approach a nd also by giving due consideration to the factors which can influence the performance of the medium at the various stages of assessment. The most imp ortant factors to be considered are: (i) the properties of the target organ isms, (ii) the selection of test strains, (iii) the methods of evaluation, (iv) the basal medium and growth supplements, (v) the properties of the med ium, and (vi) the intended use of the medium. If these are investigated ful ly then culture media can be optimised to fulfil the demands of modem micro biology techniques used for detection and confirmation of bacteria. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.