Comparison of the Compact Dry TC Method with the Standard Pour Plate Method (AOAC Official Method 966.23) for Determining Aerobic Colony Counts in Food Samples: Performance-Tested MethodSM

Abstract

Abstract Compact Dry TC qualifies as a rapid method kit for determining aerobic colony counts in foods. The plates are presterilized and contain culture medium and a cold-soluble gelling agent. The medium is rehydrated by inoculating 1 mL diluted sample into the center of the self-diffusible medium and allowing the solution to diffuse by capillary action. The plates can then be incubated and the colonies counted without any additional steps. The Compact Dry TC method was validated with 5 different raw meats. The performance tests were conducted at 35° and 30°C. In all required performance studies, no apparent differences were observed between the Compact Dry TC method and the Standard Pour Plate method (AOAC Official Method 966.23) for the detection level of aerobic microorganisms. For the accuracy claim (n = 60), a correlation factor of r235 = 0.9977 (35°C) and r230 = 0.9932 (30°C) could be assigned, as stated in the application for “Performance Tested Method.SM” Quality consistency and storage robustness studies, showed no significant variations in plate count results with different production lots or plates of diverse storage age.