Abstract: The general method involves contacting a bacterial colony with a .beta.-D-galactosidase substrate and a carbon source metabolizable by a plurality of coliform species but not metabolizable by E. coli, and detecting reaction product signals of the substrate and carbon source. Typically, the carbon source is a carbohydrate, preferably adonitol, esculin, salicin, amygdalin, or cellobiose. The absence of both reaction product signals indicates the presence of non-coliform bacteria; the presence of both reaction product signals indicates the presence of non-E. coli coliform bacteria; and, the presence of the .beta.-D-galactosidase substrate reaction product signal and absence of the carbon source reaction product signal indicates the presence of E. coli.A signal may identify a reaction product itself (e.g. a colored product derived from a chromogenic form of the substrate or from a chromogenic reagent which interacts with the product, etc.), or an effect of a reaction product on or at the colony (e.g.

Abstract: A novel highly sensitive method for detection of the presence of total coliform and E. coli in water samples, food products, and seafood employs a new type of media having composition which allows an unequivocal detection of very small number of E. coli. The new low pH media which contain trimethylamine-N-oxide promote the growth of chlorine or food processing injured E. coli for their easier detection.

Abstract: A novel highly sensitive method for detection of the presence of total coliform and E. coli in water samples, food products, and seafood. The method employs new type of media having composition which allows an unequivocal detection of very small number of E. coli. The new low pH media which contains trimethylamine-N-oxide promote the growth of chlorine or food processing injured E. coli for their easier detection. The method for sole detection of E. coli in water, in food products and in seafood.