Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Public Health Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Microbiology

Coliform

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Public Health

Microbial Contamination Of Ice At Food Establishments In Las Vegas, Nevada, Jerry Wills May 2016

Microbial Contamination Of Ice At Food Establishments In Las Vegas, Nevada, Jerry Wills

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

When food establishments make ice for consumption, it is important to use water free of pathogens and to employ hygienic practices. Freezing can reduce the number of culturable microorganisms present in water but does not eliminate them completely. Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator of water quality and are used to test for fecal contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes standards for drinking water, and has set a goal for zero total coliforms. Another commonly used tool to measure water quality is the heterotrophic plate count (HPC). The EPA limit for HPC is 500 colony forming units …