Coliforms · Hygiene test for tableware
Tableware Coliform Test Paper – hygiene check of cleaned tableware
Tableware Coliform Test Paper is a pre-moistened test paper for coliforms on cleaned and disinfected tableware, such as plates, cups and chopsticks, in canteens, restaurants and catering.
- Pre-moistened – press onto the surface
- Two papers per sample
- Result in 16–18 hours
How Tableware Coliform Test Paper works
The paper is pressed onto the food-contact surface and incubated in a sterile bag. Coliforms transferred to the paper ferment lactose, and the paper turns yellow with red spots or a red halo.
Typical results
| Result | Appearance |
| Positive | Yellow with red spots or halo |
| Negative | Stays purple |
Technical data
| Final pH | 6.9 ± 0.2 (strip with water added) |
| Incubation | 35-37 °C, 16-18 h |
| Storage | 2-8 °C, protected from light |
| Shelf life | 1 year |
Applications and practical notes
Rapid tests for coliforms and E. coli give a screening result faster than the full culture method described in FDA BAM Chapter 4. Typical applications include:
- Screening of food and water samples
- Hygiene checks in kitchens, canteens and catering
- Laboratories that need results within a working day
- Field testing where full media preparation is not practical
Working with Tableware Coliform Test Paper: Sample after cleaning and disinfection, when the tableware is dry and ready for use.
Good practice with rapid tests: store the kit as stated on the label, let the components reach room temperature before use and use each item only once. Record the lot number and the result, and confirm positive results according to the reference method when this is required.
About coliform and E. coli methods: coliforms and E. coli are counted either by the multiple-tube (MPN) method, with a presumptive broth followed by confirmation broths, or by colony counts on selective agars. FDA BAM Chapter 4 describes both approaches for food and water, and ISO 16649-2 gives the colony-count method for β-glucuronidase-positive E. coli on TBX Agar. E. coli O157 and other STEC need dedicated media, serology and PCR. COLO.Science offers media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains for every step.
Complete sets from one supplier: COLO.Science supplies culture media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains as complete sets for the method you follow. Send us your sample types and standards, and we will prepare an offer with the matching products and documentation.
Tableware Coliform Test Paper is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Tableware Coliform Test Paper, please send us a request. With every delivery of Tableware Coliform Test Paper you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Tableware Coliform Test Paper.
Where Tableware Coliform Test Paper fits in coliform and E. coli testing
- Presumptive test – Lauryl Sulfate Tryptose Broth (MPN) or VRBL / chromogenic agar (colony count)
- Confirmation – BGLB Broth for coliforms; EC or EC-MUG Broth at 44.5 °C for E. coli
- Isolation – EMB, MacConkey, TBX or chromogenic E. coli agar
- Identification – IMViC kit; for O157 and STEC: SMAC or chromogenic O157 agar, latex and PCR
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Tableware Coliform Test Paper | PRO7385 | 100 tests |
Product notice: preparation, storage conditions and shelf life are given on the label. Technical data on this page are for orientation; the label and the lot documentation apply. B2B prices are quoted net, excluding VAT.
Sales and technical support
COLO LabExperts
Polje ob Sotli 4, SI-3255, Slovenia
Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
COLO.SCIENCE | MICROBIOLOGY SUPPORT
Need the complete set for your method?
Send the sample type, target organism and the standard you follow. COLO.Science will put together the media, supplements, QC strains and confirmation tests for the whole procedure.
