In response to participant feedback, AOAC has added Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) to its M02 Pathogen-free Proficiency Testing Program. For labs that do not routinely test for pathogens, AOAC offers the Pathogen-Free Program. This program offers an opportunity to participate in a microbiology program without bringing potentially hazardous pathogens into the lab. The program includes four samples of mashed potatoes for quantitative determination of Aerobic plate count, coliform, E. coli (generic), Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and mold, and now lactic acid bacteria. A lab may perform as many or as few analyses among the tests listed above. Labs can report up to four sets of results, so up to four technicians and/or methodologies can be reported for the same organism. Visit the AOAC website or contact staff at [email protected] for more information or to enroll.
