Research Article Isolation and identification of bacteria from Ice cream samples and their Proteolytic

20 ice cream samples from areas in and around Vandavasi, Thellar, Tindivanam and Pondy area were collected and processed for the isolation and identification of bacteria and molds using routine methods. First the samples were processed for isolation and identification of mesophilic bacteria using standard plate count method. Using MPN (most probable number) technique the ice cream samples were processed for the identification of coliforms. Escherichia coli was identified in six samples and confirmed by morphological, cultural and biochemical tests. Salmonella typhi was isolated in three samples and confirmed by morphological, cultural and biochemical tests. Presence of both E.coli and Salmonella typhi indicates faecal pollution water. Hence water act as main source of contamination. Almost 55 % of the samples were positive for coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus and confirmed by their growth in the Baired parker potassium Tellurite agar. Four samples were positive for Micrococcus. Both Staphylococcus aureus as well as Micrococcus are normal flora of human skin. Presence of these organisms indicates contamination due to improper handling of food by food handlers.Bacillus spp was isolated from four samples and Pseudomonas was isolated from three samples. This indicates contaminated air, incomplete pasteurization of milk and improper handling of food. Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium was isolated. These molds indicate contamination from air in plant, during transportation and improper handling. Four samples were absolutely negative for bacteria and eight samples for molds because of complete car