Coliforms

Coliforms

Coliforms are used to identify the “cleanliness” of food and water. Coliform species are abundant in faeces but are also found in soil and vegetation. Although the group does contain some pathogenic species the coliform test is generally carried out to indicate potential contamination with other pathogenic spp.

The group contains many genera including:

• Escherichia (e.g. E. coli)
• Serratia
• Yersinia
• Citrobacter

E. coli is a member of the group but is more specifically associated with faecal matter and as such is a better indication of faecal contamination.

If you would like further information please get in touch.