Analysing microbiological data: Tobit or not Tobit?

In this paper, methods used to collect microbiological data and the common statistical technique used to analyse such data are discussed. An alternative statistical approach, considered more appropriate for many microbial datasets is suggested. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated using a simulation study and then, for a practical example, its application in a study on the effectiveness of a decontamination process for chicken carcases.