For determining the microbial count in milk and dairy products. The culture medium complies with the recommendations of the International Dairy Federation (Internationaler Milchwirtschafts-verband) (1991) and the DIN Norm 10192 for the examination of milk and dairy products. Addition of skim milk to a culture medium with a superior nutrient base optimally adapts it to the neutral conditions experienced by microorganisms which grow in milk. More colonies grow and a wider range of bacteria can be cultured than in other culture media intended for the same purpose (TERPLAN et al. 1967).