All samples were stored unopened at 8C until the end of declared shelf life. This means that ESL milk samples were stored for 17–26 days, HTST milk samples for 7–10 days. UHT milk was not tested. For microbiological testing five packs of each lot of milk were used. Total viable count (TVC) at 30C and 6.5C were determined by application of ISO 4833:2003, a pour plate method utilising plate-count skim milk agar. Enumeration of presumptive Enterobacteriaceae at 30C was performed according to ISO⁄DIS 21528-2, a pour plate method utilising violet red bile dextrose agar (VRBD). Enumeration of presumptive Enterococci at 37C was achieved by application of method M 7.8.2 of the Official Collection of Test Methods of the German State Agricultural Test and Research Institute (LUFA), a surface spatula method utilising kanamycin-esculin-azide agar. Enumeration of aerobic sporeformers was conducted at 37C by spreading 0.1 mL of the sample or appropriate dilutions on the surface of blood agar. Counting was performed by experienced staff. Qualitative detection of Listeria spp. in 25 mL was performed according to ISO 11290-1:2005. Bacterial numbers are presented in colony-forming units per mL (cfu ⁄mL).