Dairy runs on a different clock.

Coliform bacteria have been used as indicators of unsanitary conditions in food and beverage production for more than a century. Enumeration of the bacteria can help monitor the performance of food and beverage processing, equipment cleaning and sanitation, and quality of ingredients.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports few cases of Cronobacter infection each year, the germs have the ability to survive for prolonged periods in low-moisture foods. In particular, Cronobacter has been isolated from powdered infant formula, rehydrated infant formula and utensils used to prepare infant formula, making the bacterium especially risky for newborn infants.

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of bacteria recognized as an important group in the food industry for monitoring hygiene and sanitation. Their detection and enumeration can indicate improper processing and poor sanitation in the processing environment.

Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium, is often found in moist conditions, including soil, surface water and decaying vegetation. Listeria monocytogenes is the most infamous of the 17 known species in the Listeria genus.

Salmonella is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is one of several organisms in the Enterobacteriaceae family. Salmonella is the most commonly reported cause of foodborne illness today, making it one of the most important tests for food processors.