FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Total plate count | Methylene blue reduction time

Microbiological contamination is a very serious issue for milk. Microorganisms are responsible for many food-borne diseases. We conducted tests for total plate count and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT). These tests were carried out on poly-packed milk purchased from retailers. It may be noted that FSSAI has specified requirement at plant level only; no requirement is specified for retailer level. Total plate count, colony-forming units (cfu)/ml The total plate count is a measure of the biological activity in milk sample. This is a count of all bacteria, fungi and yeast that will grow in aerobic conditions. As per FSS Regulation, total plate count should not be more than 50,000 cfu/gram at plant level. Madhusudan, Reliance and Vita met the TPC

requirement. Other brands did not meet the requirement for total plate count. Gokul (7,200,000 cfu/ml) was found with highest total plate count, followed by Verka (710,000 cfu/ml) and Amul (410,000 cfu/ml). Methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) Methylene blue reduction time is an indicative test to check the bacterial load in milk. As per Indian Standard, MBR time for milk is not less than five hours. Except Gokul, all other brands met the requirement

for MBRT.