The presence of E.coli in foods is considered to be an indication of fecal contamination. Most product specifications are written with a zero tolerance for E.coli. O157-H7 Heat Resistant Organisms Organisms able to withstand high temperatures are thermoduric. Organisms that can grow at high temperatures are thermophyllic. Spore forming organisms can frequently survive heat processing and cause spoilage.
Spoilage can even occur if the finished product is refrigerated.
Examples of pathogenic thermoduric sporeformers are Clostridium bochlinum and Clostridium perfringens . Staphylococcus Staphylococcus organisms are commonly found in the environment. Several species of Staphylococcus are found on the skin, intestines, nasal passages, etc. of warm blooded animals. Most Product Specifications are written with a low tolerance for Staphylococcus and a zero tolerance for Staphylococcus aureus. Some Staphylococcus produce a toxin, which is responsible for food poisoning.