Broth Function

The Bacillus cereus group (BCG) are bacteria found ubiquitous in the environment. Some Bacillus cereus group species are pathogenic and have been implicated in multiple foodborne outbreaks related to foods like rice flour, potato flakes, powdered milk, instant flour, and various cereals. These bacteria are not considered harmful when present at low level concentrations (<1000 CFU/g) in dried foods. However, when dried foods are re-hydrated and subjected to temperature abuse, B. cereus group species can proliferate to levels that promote emetic and enterotoxin production, potentially leading to illness. Therefore, an enrichment method using a selective enrichment broth is necessary to detect pathogenic B. cereus group species present as low-level contaminates in foods and to assess their potential risk to vulnerable populations, such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.

Our specialized R & F® Bacillus cereus Group (BCG) Enrichment Broth enables the detection of B. cereus group species at concentrations <100 cells/g, while inhibiting the growth of competing microorganisms. Using the selective enrichment broth, the B. cereus group species can reach at least 5.0 x 10⁶ cells per gram, when incubated at 30°C for 24-28 hours. Bacterial colonies can be easily isolated from the selective enrichment broth using our R & F® Bacillus cereus Group (BCG) Chromogenic Plating Medium (Cat. No. M-2050).

Dehydrated starch base products, frozen soups, frozen meals, dairy products including fluid milk, untreated drinking water, powdered infant formula, cereals, and cosmetics.

See Product Brochure, Use Protocol, SDS, Certificate of Analysis and Medium Preparation for more information about our medium.

1. Promotes recovery of Bacillus cereus group species at low-level concentrations.

2. Selectivity improves detection accuracy by eliminating growth of competing microorganisms, such as Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mold.

3. Designed for critical foods consumed by high-risk individuals.

4. Supports early and accurate detection.

5. The complete enrichment broth (with supplements), when stored at 2-8°C under dark conditions, has a 45-day shelf-life.