The method is used for the enumeration of thermophilic spore-forming bacteria in refined sugar products (General Subjects 2 and 3) [1,2,3]. With higher colony counts and dark-coloured products use the pour plate method (see also Method GS2/3-43). With low levels of microorganisms use the membrane filter method (see also Method GS2/3-41).
Access to the online Version of ICUMSA Method GS2/3-49 (1998) can be obtained from the Sugar Industry Website, operated by Bartens. The online access for two years costs EUR35 (+ 19 % VAT for German and EU citizens without EU VAT No.).