Indicator organisms are used in the dairy industry to assess the microbial quality of raw milk, the effectiveness of pathogen control strategies, and the presence of unsanitary conditions in the processing environment. Although a range of organisms have been proposed as indices of dairy safety and quality, historically, the indicator organisms (or rather groups of organisms) of choice have been either coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, or other indicators. Why would the indicator organisms of choice for dairy differ from country to country? It is not the company or industry who is choosing the group of organisms they wish to test. The dairy industry in most countries is quite heavily regulated, so the choice is, generally, based on regulation. In this session, we will first be provided with a breakdown and overview as to which areas of the globe choose coliform, Enterobacteriaceae, or other Indicators and why. We will, then, hear from regulators located in two regions of the globe. Each will provide an overview of how the indicator group of choice, in their region, has been chosen and shown to be effective.

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