Since its inception in 1904, the fecal coliform assay has been used to assess the presence of fecal contamination in water and foods. Assays to detect Escherichia coli, a more specific indicator of fecal contamination, were previously not as popular due to the longer time period for detection required (five days) and their complexity. Recent advances in the detection of E. coli, however, have eliminated these impediments and detection occurs within 24 hours or less. Many limitations and complications have been associated with the fecal coliform assay, thereby raising questions about its continued appropriateness and usefulness in food and water testing. The microbiology literature is replete with reports of studies that correlate results of fecal coliform levels with the presence of E. coli including several recent examples that advocate the fecal coliform test as an acceptable indicator in manure composts and foods. However, the value of the fecal coliform assay as an indicator of fecal contamination is negated when bacteria of nonfecal origin are the principal microbes detected by the assay.