Influence of composition of diluent on populations of yeasts and moulds recovered from raw fruits.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were (i) to determine the retention of viability of mycoflora removed from raw fruits, and how this affected diluents used to prepare samples for enumeration of propagules, and (ii) to evaluate the performance of recovery media for supporting colony development.


RESULTS
Yeasts and moulds removed from seven types of raw fruit were held in seven diluents for 1 h before plating on dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar and plate count agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (100 micro g ml-1) (PCAC). Significant reductions (P=0.05) in populations of yeasts, moulds, and yeasts plus moulds occurred within the 1 h holding period, regardless of diluent composition. Overall, retention of viability was not influenced by diluent composition, and neither DRBC agar nor PCAC were superior in supporting colony development.


CONCLUSIONS
The composition of diluents used to prepare food samples for mycological analysis has little affect on the number of yeasts and moulds recovered from seven types of naturally contaminated raw fruit. Both DRBC agar and PCAC are suitable as enumeration media.


CONCLUSIONS
Diluents and media most often recommended for enumerating yeasts and moulds in foods are appropriate for raw fruits.
Beuchat
L R
LR
Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, Griffin, 30223-1797, USA. lbeuchat@cfs.griffin.peachnet.edu
Scouten
A J
AJ
Jablonska
J
J
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003470:Culture Media / Q000032:analysis; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005638:Fruit / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology; D014894:Weights and Measures; D015003:Yeasts / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology
D003470:Culture Media