Definitions of IMF in terms of aw values and moisture content vary within wide limits (0.6-0.90 aw, 10-50% moisture), and the addition of preservatives provides the margin of safety against spoilage organisms tolerant to low aw. Of the food poisoning bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is one of the organisms of high concern since it has been reported to tolerate aw as low as 0.83-0.86 under aerobic conditions. Many of the considerations on the significance of microorganisms in IMF are made in terms of aw limits for growth. However, microbial control in IMF does not only depend on aw but on pH, Eh, F and Tvalues preservatives, competitive microflora, etc., which also exert an important effect on colonizing flora.