A remote-query sensor for predictive indication of milk spoilage.

Described is application of the remote-query (wireless, passive) magnetoelastic sensor platform for direct detection and monitoring of bacterium contamination of milk within hermetically sealed containers. Specific application is made to the quantification of Staphylococcus aureus ssp. anaerobius (S. aureus) concentrations in milk. S. aureus growth changes milk viscosity, in turn changing the resonance frequency of the liquid immersed sensor allowing S. aureus concentrations of 10(3) to 10(7)cellsml(-1) to be directly quantified.