Coliforms

Description

Coliforms are indicator microorganisms. They form a subgroup of the Enterobacteriaceae and are often defined by their ability to rapidly ferment lactose. E. coli is an example coliform. 

Test purpose

As indicator microorganisms, coliforms are often used to test the effectiveness of hygiene measures in food production facilities. High levels of coliforms may be indicative of poor food handling practices or ineffective processing. It should be noted that some food products have naturally-occurring coliforms, and as such the presence of coliforms in food is not always indicative of unsatisfactory hygiene measures.