Table of Microbiological Reference Methods for Food

Date published: December 18, 2024

Overview

The Table of Microbiological Reference Methods for Food sets out the reference methods that may be used to determine the level of microorganisms present in or on a food, for the purposes of Division 30 of Part B of the Food and Drug Regulations. It should be used in conjunction with the Table of Microbiological Criteria for Food and the Canadian Requirements for Determining the Equivalence of Food Microbiological Methods of Analysis.

The Table is published and maintained by Health Canada and is incorporated by reference in Division 30 of Part B of the Food and Drug Regulations.

Table of Microbiological References for Food
Column 1	Column 2
Microorganism	Reference Methods^{Footnote *}
Aerobic colony count (ACC)	MFHPB-18 - Determination of the Aerobic Colony Counts in Foods
Staphylococcus aureus	MFHPB-21 - Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in Foods Note: MFHPB-21Suppl - Supplement to MFHPB-21 (This supplement may be used along with MFHPB-21)
Escherichia coli	MFHPB-19 - Enumeration of Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms and of E. coli in Foods using the MPN Method
Coliforms	MFHPB-19 - Enumeration of Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms and of E. coli in Foods using the MPN Method
Salmonella	MFHPB-20 - Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Food and Environmental Samples
* To obtain a reference method, select the appropriate link from the table and an email request will open with the subject line and address already populated. Please do not add or alter any text prior to sending the request. Health Canada's publications office will respond to the request. A PDF format of the document requested will be sent electronically to the originating email address. Please note that requests can only be fulfilled during business hours Monday to Friday (Eastern Time). Should you have any difficulties accessing the links above, please e-mail your request to publications-publications@hc-sc.gc.ca. Return to footnote * referrer