Value of Coliform Tests for Assessing Meat Quality

The reactions of 171 psychrotrophic coliforms and Aeromonas spp. isolated from meat and the meatworks environment were determined in media used for coliform tests in food. From 22–68% of strains, depending on the medium, gave positive presumptive and confirmed tests at 35°C. As positive reactions in these tests may be due to psychrotrophic and other non-faecal coliforms, and Aeromonas spp., they have no value as indicators of potentially harmful contamination and it is suggested that these tests should not be applied to fresh meat and meat products.