Determination of Geotrichum mold in citrus juices: collaborative study

The sieve mesh sizes (Nos. 8, 16, and 230) specified in the official method for the Geotrichum mold count of fruits and vegetables, 44.079, are inadequate for citrus juices. Citrus tissue passes through the larger mesh screens and clogs the fine mesh No. 230 sieve. The fine citrus tissue prevents the separation of the mold from the product and the liquid. The proposed method changes the sieve series to Nos. 40, 140, and 230 mesh. A compromise is reached which permits the concentration of mold along with the citrus tissue and the elimination of the excess liquid. The method has been adopted official first action.