A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

TO SURROGATE
ORGANISMS
Who, What, When, Where, and Why?
SAFELY TEST YOUR PROCESS WITH THIS IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE

WHO ARE SURROGATE MICROBES?

Surrogate organisms are non-
pathogenic microbes that are more
resistant to the mode of processing
than the target pathogen you aim to
kill or inactivate with your process.

WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?

They are used to calculate a process
time and temperature combination
without introducing pathogens into
your facility to ensure you destroy or
inactivate your target pathogen such
as Clostridium botulinum or Listeria
monocytogenes.

WHEN DO YOU USE THEM?

Whenever you are validating a process for

a new product or processing method you
should use surrogate organisms to ensure
microbial safety through a thermal death
time study.

WHERE DO YOU USE SURROGATES?

Use a surrogate organism that is most resistant
to the mode of processing. For example, you
would use Clostridium thermophilus for a
thermal process because it's highly resistant to
heat, and Bacillus subtilus for an aseptic package
sterilization because it's highly resistant to
hydrogen peroxide.

WHY USE SURROGATE MICROBES?

If you destroy or inactivate a more
resistant microbe to a safe level, then your
product will be safe to eat without the
risks associated with using and storing 
pathogens in your facility.

Provided by NC State University