ABSTRACT
The total aerobic mesophilic plate count, usually called the aerobic plate count or the standard plate count, is the most commonly used general indicator of bacterial populations in foods. The use of the total aerobic mesophilic plate count as a quality indicator should be carried out carefully. The classical total aerobic mesophilic count in foods is the standard plate count. The count can be performed using the pour plate, spread plate or membrane filtration methods. The membrane filtration method is mainly used for the examination of limpid or clear liquids, without solids in suspension. Membrane filtration is recommended for examining samples containing counts below the detection limit of other methods, and is frequently used to analyze carbonated soft drinks and water intended for human consumption. It can also be used to examine samples of solid products converted into limpid, clear solutions such as salt and sugar.
