Question:
Which of the following is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in raw milk?
Which of the following is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in raw milk?
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In water and food microbiology, the presence of coliforms (especially E. coli) is the standard, globally recognized indicator of fecal contamination.
Updated On: Jul 8, 2026
- Coliform count
- Standard plate count
- Yeast and mold count
- Lactic acid bacterial count
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To monitor food safety, microbiological testing targets specific groups of bacteria whose presence indicates contamination with fecal matter or poor hygiene during processing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Coliforms (particularly Escherichia coli) are Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that ferment lactose with gas and acid production. Because they reside in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, their presence in raw milk serves as a key indicator of fecal contamination.
- Standard Plate Count (SPC): Measures the total number of viable aerobic bacteria, reflecting overall quality rather than fecal contamination specifically.
- Yeast and Mold Count: Indicates environmental spoilage during storage.
- Lactic Acid Bacterial Count: Measures the presence of acid-producing starter cultures.
Step 3: Final Answer
The standard microbiological indicator of fecal contamination in milk is the coliform count.
To monitor food safety, microbiological testing targets specific groups of bacteria whose presence indicates contamination with fecal matter or poor hygiene during processing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Coliforms (particularly Escherichia coli) are Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that ferment lactose with gas and acid production. Because they reside in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, their presence in raw milk serves as a key indicator of fecal contamination.
- Standard Plate Count (SPC): Measures the total number of viable aerobic bacteria, reflecting overall quality rather than fecal contamination specifically.
- Yeast and Mold Count: Indicates environmental spoilage during storage.
- Lactic Acid Bacterial Count: Measures the presence of acid-producing starter cultures.
Step 3: Final Answer
The standard microbiological indicator of fecal contamination in milk is the coliform count.
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