AOAC 2018 Methods

i.

Standard Colony Counter or Illuminated Magnifier

j.

Top-loading balance – capable of weighing 1-2000 g

C. General Instructions a. Read the instruction manual carefully before use

b. Storage conditions: Store the MC-Media Pads at 2-15°C. After opening the aluminum bag, unused pads should be stored in the aluminum bag sealed with tape and kept in a cool (2-15 o C) environment.

After opening, use all pads within 1 month.

c. Do not expose unused pads to sunlight or ultraviolet light.

d. Do not use a discolored or damaged pad.

e. A wrinkle on the test pad should not affect detection.

f. Small fragments of fabric on or around the test pad should not affect detection.

g. Do not use the pads after the expiration date. The quality of an expired product is not warranted.

h. The measurement range is less than 200 CFU/pad. If more than 200 CFU/pad are counted, further dilution is recommended.

i. The nature of food (high viscosity liquids such as raw egg, syrups or presence of food dye or strongly colored products such as tomato concentrate, cocoa powder or ground spices) may affect test usage or

results. In that case, the cause needs to be eliminated. Typically, a further 1:10 dilution will reduce

viscosity or background color sufficiently while sedimentation or filtration may remove (colored)

particulates.

j. The used kit must be decontaminated by autoclaving or boiling and disposed accord to local regulations for waste.

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