IMPROVED ESTIMATIONS OF TOTAL AND PSYCHROTROPHIC MICROFLORA IN RAW MILK USING REFLECTANCE COLORIMETRY AT 32°C¹

ABSTRACT A reflectance colorimeter with 32°C incubation/detection temperature successfully quantitated total and psychrotrophic microflora in raw milk. Correlations between reflectance colorimetry and the Standard Plate Count improved with preliminary incubation time: .50 (no preliminary incubation), .74 (24 h at 7°C), to .84 (48 h at 7°C). Correlations between reflectance colorimetry and the Psychrotrophic Bacterial Count were better than those achieved with the Standard Plate Count and improved: .53 (no preliminary incubation). 80 (24 h at 7°C), to .91 (48 h at 7°C). The 48 h preliminary incubation method would cost less and data would be available in 48 to 72 h compared to the 98 to 240 h for psychrotrophic plating methods. A second sample set (no preliminary incubation) could be analyzed to identify high‐count samples in less than 24 h. Color detection times following sample refrigeration for 24 h at 0, 4. and 7°C were significantly different from samples tested before refrigeration. Identical sample time/temperature storage conditions are suggested