AquaCHROM ECC
Coliforms are a part of the Enterobacteriaceae family that are able to ferment lactose and are present in human and warm blooded animals normal intestinal flora, in soil and water. Therefore Coliforms can be used as indicators of organic, environmental or faecal contamination in drinking water and food.
There are strict regulations in place for E.coli/ Coliform absence in food and drinking water. Internationally, water and food quality control for human consumption is based on the detection of the presence, or absence, of E.coli and coliforms. E.coli can contaminate drinking water when the water treatment system is inadequate or during periods of very high rainfall, meaning that the constant monitoring of food and water production is essential. Contamination can lead to food product recalls and suspension of the water supply.
An example of E.coli outbreaks would be an outbreak in June, 2024. A major E.coli (STEC) 0145 outbreak occurred in the UK in 2024 which was suggested to be (but not conclusively) contamination from the lettuce included in pre-packed sandwiches. This resulted in 293 cases, extensive product recalls, and at least 122 people hospitalised.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-publishes-report-into-uks-largest-stec-outbreak
AquaCHROMTM ECC (Presence/absence and MPN method) has been validated by the AOAC RI under the Performance Tested MethodsSM Program for the analysis of water samples, including tap water, well water, lake water, bottled water,...
There are strict regulations in place for E.coli/ Coliform absence in food and drinking water. Internationally, water and food quality control for human consumption is based on the detection of the presence, or absence, of E.coli and coliforms. E.coli can contaminate drinking water when the water treatment system is inadequate or during periods of very high rainfall, meaning that the constant monitoring of food and water production is essential. Contamination can lead to food product recalls and suspension of the water supply.
An example of E.coli outbreaks would be an outbreak in June, 2024. A major E.coli (STEC) 0145 outbreak occurred in the UK in 2024 which was suggested to be (but not conclusively) contamination from the lettuce included in pre-packed sandwiches. This resulted in 293 cases, extensive product recalls, and at least 122 people hospitalised.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-publishes-report-into-uks-largest-stec-outbreak
AquaCHROMTM ECC (Presence/absence and MPN method) has been validated by the AOAC RI under the Performance Tested MethodsSM Program for the analysis of water samples, including tap water, well water, lake water, bottled water,...
AquaCHROM ECC result for presence of E. coli (green to blue-ish colour change)
AquaCHROM ECC result for the presence of other coliforms (yellow colour change)
But how does it work?
- Step 1: Add the pre-weighed dose of AquaCHROM™ ECC to a 100 mL water sample, shake and incubate at 37 °C for 18-24h.
- Step 2: Use your eyes! No need of UV lamp! Species differentiation is based on the use of two chromogens (instead of obsolete use of chromogene + fluorogene).
- Step 3: This culture medium has been also designed for tests in areas where neither incubators nor UV lamps are available. The incubation could be carried out at room temperature (longer incubation) and results are read under daylight.
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