AOAC  | NordVal | MicroVal

Staphylococcus aureus is a common human microflora, it can naturally be found on the skin, nose, and hair. Due to this, it is commonly used as index of food handlers’ personal hygiene. Thus, high staphylococcal population in food system indicates poor hygiene and sanitation. They are normally harmless but at high population, can begin forming endotoxins causing “staph” food poisoning. They can also tolerate low water activity and are opportunistic in high sugar food.

Result Interpretation

Blue or light blue colonies