What is the typical aw range favorable for bacteria growth?

The typical water activity (aw) range favorable for bacteria growth is between 0.85 and 1.0. This range indicates that there is sufficient moisture available in the food environment, which is critical for bacterial metabolism and reproduction. Most bacteria thrive in environments where the water activity is at least 0.85, since at this level, they can efficiently use available water for their biological processes.

Water activity is a key factor in food safety; when the aw falls below this threshold, it severely limits bacterial growth, and many bacteria cannot survive. Thus, understanding and controlling water activity is crucial in food preservation practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.