NAME: NSOFOR ADAOBI JACINTA.

REG. NO.: FPI/HND/BMB/22/029

Course Title: Food Microbiology

Question:

A frozen chicken was enumerated for aerobic plate count of mesophilic bacteria using

0.1 mL. inoculum size and the following results were obtained, calculate the colony

forming unit of bacteria in the food and decide if the product is fit for human

consumption. 1. 1:10 dilution (tntc, tntc)

2. 1:100 dilution (96, 94)

3. 1:1000 dilution (1.5, 0)

4. 1:10,000 (0,0)

Answer:

To calculate the colony forming unit (CFU) of bacteria in the food, we need to consider

the dilution factor and the number of colonies observed at each dilution. 1. 1:10 dilution (tntc, tntc):
"tntc" stands for "too numerous to count". Since the colonies

are too numerous to count, we cannot determine the CFU at this dilution. 2. 1:100 dilution (96, 94):

CFU in 0.1 mL = Average CFU per plate × Dilution Factor × Inoculum Volume

CFU in 0.1 mL = ((96 + 94) / 2) × 100 × 0.1 = 950 CFU

3. 1:1000 dilution (1.5, 0): At this dilution, the number of colonies observed is 1.5 and 0. Since we cannot
have a fraction of a colony, we consider the "tntc" dilution results. Therefore, we cannot determine the
CFU at this dilution. 4. 1:10,000 dilution (0,0): At this dilution, no colonies were observed. Therefore, the
CFU

at this dilution is 0.

Based on the results obtained, we can see that the CFU/mL is highest at the 1:100

dilution, with 96,000 CFU/mL. This suggests a high bacterial count in the frozen chicken

product. Generally, the limit for aerobic plate counts in food for human consumption is

10^6 CFU/g or mL. As the CFU/mL in this case is below the acceptable limit, the product

is considered fit for human consumption. Note: A comprehensive evaluation of food safety involves
considering various factors, including the type of bacteria, food handling practices, storage conditions,
and the presence of any pathogenic bacteria or toxins