COMPARISON OF KANG-FUNG MEDIUM AND MRS MEDIUM FOR SCREENING PEDIOCOCCUS SPP. FROM MIXED CULTURE SYSTEMS

Kang-Fung medium was developed for recovering Pediococcus spp. from mi xed culture systems. This medium contains phenylethanol (1.75%) with M RS agar ingredients. Many nonlactic acid bacteria can grow on MRS medi um regardless of aerobic or anaerobic conditions. In comparison with M RS medium, Kang-Fung medium was not significantly different (P>0.05) f or recovering Pediococcus spp. However, the Kang-Fung medium completel y inhibited the growth of several foodborne pathogens (Escherichia col i O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) that can grow on MRS medium. Therefore, this medium can be used to selectively recover Pediococcus spp. from fermented food products mixed with these foodborne pathogens.