Question

According to FSSAI rules and regulations, fermented milks, are of satisfactory quantity, if coliform count is less then __________ cfu/g

• A. 50
• B. 10
• C. 100
• D. 20

Hint:

For most pasteurized and fermented dairy products, FSSAI maintains a strict sanitary limit of \( < 10\text{ cfu/g} \) for coliforms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coliform bacteria (such as Escherichia coli) are indicators of sanitary quality.
Their presence in fermented dairy products indicates poor hygiene during manufacturing, post-pasteurization contamination, or inadequate heat treatment of milk.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets strict microbiological limits to ensure the safety and quality of fermented milks (such as yogurt, dahi, and lassi).
According to FSSAI microbiological standards, for fermented milk products to be of "satisfactory" hygiene quality, the coliform count must be kept extremely low.
The regulatory threshold limit specifies that the coliform count must be less than 10 cfu/g (colony-forming units per gram) of the product.
Counts equal to or above 10 cfu/g indicate poor hygiene and post-processing contamination.
Therefore, option 2 is the correct limit.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The coliform count must be less than 10 cfu/g.