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Coliforms, also called “indicator organisms,” are microorganisms that signal the presence of potentially harmful pathogens in food products. Although Coliforms exist within environments where harmful bacteria can survive and spread, not every coliform is dangerous and may not require remediation.
If your conditions are suitable for pathogens, your company should reach out to Log10® for coliform testing. Log10 provides consulting, research, training and support services to professionals in the food production and delivery industries for the detection and prevention of harmful bacteria.
What is Coliform Testing?
Coliforms fall into categories based on their presence in certain industries. In the food industry, these microorganisms exist in forms of Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) and other bacteria found in soils. The presence of these coliforms often indicates that a food product has come in contact with bacteria-contaminated water.
Simply put, coliforms in treated water systems determine if disinfection processes are working. Testing for these bacteria at Log10 can stop the spreading of viruses or disease-causing organisms in food products. The presence of coliforms should influence hygiene precaution and further sanitation methods. Log10 can help your business modify existing practices to reduce or eliminate the possibility that your food products will come into contact with harmful bacteria.
What Types of Coliforms Can We Test?
Log10 tests for the strand of E. Coli 0157:H7 for commercial food products.
- Total Coliform, Petrifilm
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 25g, immunoassay
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 25g, PCR
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 25g, PCR
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 75g, immunoassay
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 75g, PCR
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 375g, immunoassay
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, 375g, PCR
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, sponge, immunoassay
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, sponge, PCR
- Escherichia coli STEC, 375g
- Escherichia coli STEC, enumeration 25g
E. Coli Identification Tests
E. Coli is by far the most commonly seen coliform in the food industry and is a major health concern for businesses and consumers. When left untreated and later consumed by a human, E. Coli can cause serious illness or even death. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and other unpleasant symptoms.
Because E. Coli can survive in refrigerated environments and sometimes requires intense heat or pasteurization to eliminate, specialized testing is imperative for food processors, manufacturers, retailers and producers. Routine testing helps to reduce costly recalls and gives peace of mind to brands and consumers alike.
Log10 can quickly and efficiently test large batches of food product to determine if E. Coli is present.
Where Is E. Coli Found?
Log10 is able to perform E. Coli identification tests on a wide variety of products in the food and water industries. Our coliform testing lab can also recommend remediation solutions should we determine that E. Coli is present. Foods that sometimes test positive include:
- Raw Hamburger
- Unpasteurized Fruit Juices
- Salami
- Lettuce
- Dairy
You Have a Positive Coliform Test – Now What? Log10 Probiotics to Help Treat E. Coli Outbreaks
If follow-up testing shows a positive test for E. Coil, Log10 can help. The food safety researchers at Log10 provide innovative solutions to common problems in food testing. Our Pre-Liminate™ probiotic formulas work to treat harmful pathogens including E. Coli. The best part is that our solutions extend into treating contamination in human food, animal food, livestock and agriculture.
We also carry custom probiotics to combat antibiotics (antibiotics can make matters worse). Our probiotics are safe to consume and can be used directly on food contact surfaces. Log10 caters to your exact applications to suit your specific food.
Contact Log10 for Reliable and Accurate Coliform Testing and More
Log10 provides expert professional consulting, research, testing and training support to the food industry. We focus on the manufacturer and want to make delivery practices safe for your products. Our comprehensive services cut back on food spoilage and waste for your business.
For more information about our coliform testing, probiotics and services, be sure to contact Log10 today.