Validation of the micro Biological survey method for total viable count and E. coli in food samples.

摘要

The aim of this study was the validation of the micro biological survey (MBS) method for microbiological analysis of foods for total viable counts (TVC) and Escherichia coli. The MBS method is a rapid quantitative alternative method for the detection and selective counting of bacteria in agricultural, food, water and environmental samples. It is based on colorimetric analysis in single use disposable reaction vials that must be filled with the samples without any preliminary treatment (e.g. homogenization, dilution, etc.); the greater the number of bacteria present in the sample, the faster the colour change. However, an independent evaluation of the analytical results obtained with the MBS method would be required before commercialization. Therefore, this alternative method was validated in comparison to the reference method (ISO 9998). General estimates of precision, reliability, uncertainty, linearity, accuracy and selectivity were obtained. Complete correlation for all performance parameters between the alternative method and the reference method was observed for the detection and counting of TVC and E. coli, both in artificially contaminated and in naturally contaminated samples. Results suggest that the MBS assay could be used by the food industry as a rapid and user friendly screening method for detection of TVC and E. coli.