One of the storage methods applied to fresh food is freezing. Microbial growth in frozen food products usually occurs after packaging. If the cold chain conditions are not properly respected, the microorganisms in the frozen foodstuffs that are consumed are reproduced. In addition, fecal microorganisms are easily transmitted to foodstuffs due to non-observance of hygiene rules during the process.

Certain microorganisms in the food sector are accepted as an indicator of whether or not production is carried out in accordance with the rules. In some studies, it is accepted that these indicator microorganisms should be of fecal origin and in some studies it is accepted that all kinds of microorganisms are indicators.

Enterococci, fecal coliforms, clostridium perfringens and escherichia coli are the indications of fecal contamination. Fecal streptococccus bacteria are also included in this group. The presence of enterococcal bacteria in animals increases the transmission potential in meat slaughterhouses. Enterococcal bacteria are found not only in warm-blooded animals, but also in soil, surface waters and plants and vegetables.

Enterococcus bacteria species are fecal origin and can reproduce in water. Enterococci show higher resistance than indicator coliform bacteria under drying and freezing conditions. Therefore, enterococci are among the microbiological criteria as a direct fecal contamination indicator in many foodstuffs including frozen vegetables and ice cream. In comparison to coliform group and enterococci in frozen fish products, enterococci are significantly superior in number.

The presence of enterococci in foodstuffs does not necessarily indicate that food is contaminated with feces. While these bacteria are found in the digestive systems of humans and animals, they are very common in nature. However, if high numbers of enterococci are detected in water samples, this indicates faecal contamination.

Fecal streptococcus and enterococcus bacteria counts are performed in advanced laboratories within the scope of microbiological analyzes. During these studies, standards and test methods issued by domestic and foreign organizations are followed.