Alicyclobacillus - Quantitative - Plate

Method Description

Alicyclobacillus spp. are heat-resistant, spore-forming bacteria that survive juice pasteurization temperatures and cause spoilage through production of guaiacol and other off-flavor compounds. The economic impact of contamination incidents can be severe for juice producers, as affected products develop medicinal or antiseptic off-flavors that render entire batches unsaleable. The method uses selective culture media that inhibits competing microorganisms while allowing target bacteria to grow at elevated temperatures.