Question

Microbiology

8. Would detection of fecal coliforms (e.g. E. coli) in meat be indicative of contamination or spoilage of the product? Explain.

Answer 1

Some members of coliforms are present as normal inhabitants in the environment (e.g., soil, vegetation and water), thus the presence of coliforms does not necessarily mean that pathogens are present. Testing for total coliform is not intended to detect faecal contamination, but rather to reflect general hygiene during food production or handling and the quality of the measures used to minimise bacterial contamination. While the detection of pathogens in ready-to-eat food indicates a risk of foodborne illness, the level of coliforms only reflects the general hygienic conditions during food production or handling. High level of coliform counts generally indicates unsanitary condition or poor hygiene practices during or after food production.

On the other hand, Escherichia coli is an important component of the intestinal microflora of humans and warm-blooded mammals. While E. coli typically harmlessly colonizes the intestinal tract, several E. coli clones have evolved the ability to cause a variety of diseases within the intestinal tract and elsewhere in the host. Their pathogenesis is associated with a number of virulence attributes, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and hemorrhagic colitis.