Indicator counts in foods: The Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) is also commonly referred to by which other names?

Introduction / Context:
Routine hygiene monitoring in foods uses general indicator counts to estimate the overall microbial load. The Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) is widely used and appears in literature under multiple synonymous names, which can be confusing for students and practitioners.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ACC is performed by plating serial dilutions on non-selective media and incubating aerobically.
• Synonyms include TVC, APC, and SPC in various standards or regions.
• We must select the set of names that match ACC.

Concept / Approach:
ACC, APC (Aerobic Plate Count), TVC (Total Viable Count), and SPC (Standard Plate Count) are often used interchangeably to describe counts of aerobic, culturable bacteria under specified conditions. While minor methodological differences can exist among standards, the terms broadly refer to the same general microbiological index of product hygiene and handling history.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match each acronym to ACC usage in food standards. Recognize that all three are conventional synonyms for generic aerobic counts. Select the inclusive option “All of these.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Regulatory documents and compendia (e.g., ISO/ICMSF methods) routinely cross-reference these terms for general aerobic counts in foods and ingredients.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Coliform index only: Coliform counts are specific indicator tests, not synonyms for ACC.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that TVC always includes strict anaerobes; by method, ACC/APC typically measures aerobically cultivable flora under set incubation conditions.

Final Answer:
All of these (TVC, APC, SPC) are synonymous with ACC in common usage.