In combination with the selective supplement Lithium-Mupirocin (MUP) the TOS Propionate agar allows the direct detection of viable bifidobacteria in starter cultures and various milk products like fermented and unfermented milk, milk powder and baby food. The growth of other lactic acid bacteria is very much inhibited so that a confirmation of presumptive bifodobacteria is in most cases not necessary.

• The detection is done by using the plate count method with anaerobic incubation at 37 °C