Carbonated Drinks / Beverages Analysis
The table below describes a microbiological testing package for carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks, carbonated juices, sparkling drinks, flavored sodas, and other non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. The purpose is to assess overall microbial quality, food-safety pathogens, hygiene indicators, and spoilage organisms.
| Food/Test Category | Microbial Parameters | Analysis Method | Limits | |
| Carbonated Beverages Testing | Standard Plate Count | AOAC 990.12 / ISO 4833-1:2013 | ≤10² CFU/mL | |
| Salmonella | AOAC 2003.09 / ISO 6579-1:2017 | Absent in 25 mL | ||
| E.Coli | AOAC 991.14 / ISO 16649-2:2001 | Absent in 1 mL | ||
| Listeria Monocytogenes | AOAC 2004.06 / ISO 11290-1:2017 | Absent in 25 mL | ||
| Coagulative Staphylococcus | AOAC 975.55 / ISO 6888-1:2021 | <10 CFU/mL or Absent | ||
| Coliform | AOAC 991.14 / ISO 4832:2006 | Absent in 1 mL | ||
| Yeast/mold | AOAC 997.02 / ISO 21527-1:2008 | ≤10 CFU/mL | ||
What each test means
| Test | Purpose | Method listed | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plate Count / Total Aerobic Count | Measures the general viable microbial population | ISO 4833-1:2013 | Indicates overall microbiological quality and process control |
| Salmonella | Detects an important foodborne pathogen | ISO 6579-1:2017 | Generally expected to be not detected in a ready-to-consume beverage |
| E. coli | Indicates possible fecal contamination or poor hygiene | ISO 16649-2:2001 | Generally expected to be absent/not detected in finished beverages |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Detects an important foodborne pathogen | ISO 11290-1:2017 | Particularly relevant where the beverage formulation/environment presents a risk |
| Coagulase-positive Staphylococci | Indicates possible contamination associated with handling/hygiene | ISO 6888-1:2021 | Generally expected to be very low or not detected, depending on specification |
| Coliforms | General hygiene/contamination indicator | ISO 4832:2006 | Generally expected to be absent or very low in finished beverages |
| Yeast & Mold | Detects spoilage organisms | ISO 21527 series | Important for beverages because yeasts and molds can cause spoilage |