Thermo Fisher Scientific Improves Detection of Bacillus cereus Microorganisms in Food
Lenexa, Kan. (January 19, 2010) – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, reports that its agar for identifying Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) can accurately test food and beverages for this illness-causing microorganism. Brilliance™ Bacillus cereus Agar allows laboratories to significantly improve the detection and recovery of B. cereus. Food microbiologists in both manufacturing companies and research laboratories rely on Brilliance Bacillus cereus Agar for rapid identification of the bacterium.
With Brilliance Bacillus cereus Agar, B. cereus is quickly isolated, appearing as colored colonies for precise identification. Food manufacturers can rapidly extract B. cereus if present, investigate the cause of the contamination and, if necessary, alert consumers.
“Although B. cereus poisoning is largely underreported, the recent voluntary recall of ready-to-drink Slim-Fast™ products in the United States and Canada, for example, underscores the need for more vigilant testing,” said Ali Ball, vice president of marketing and new product development for the Thermo Fisher Scientific microbiology business. “We are committed to providing quality products and solutions to help food manufacturers avoid costly recalls or outbreaks and, most importantly, to protect consumers from the consequences of B. cereus poisoning.”
Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately 27,000 cases of B. cereus food poisoning occur each year. However, only 72 were officially reported (none of these in connection with the Slim-Fast™ product recall) during the most recent yearly analysis. This is, at least in part, because B. cereus poisoning symptoms – nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea – closely resemble those of staphylococcal (Staphylococcus aureus) food poisoning, resulting in misdiagnosis and under-reporting.
B. cereus contamination typically occurs when foods are prepared and held without refrigeration for several hours before serving. For more information about the Brilliance Bacillus cereus Agar, please visit: www.remel.com/chromogenicmedia.
About Remel
Remel, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a global provider of a wide range of high quality microbiology products used by clinical, industrial, research, and academic laboratories. We are a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of dehydrated and prepared culture media, collection and transport systems, diagnostic and rapid direct specimen tests, quality control products and much more. An extensive product portfolio, which includes trusted, market-leading names and superior performance, is complemented by a team of experts dedicated to providing the highest levels of technical service and customer support. Our people take great pride in providing quality products, rapid delivery, and superior support and are committed to exceeding customer expectations. Now, as a brand of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, we are even better positioned to deliver the science, service, and solutions our laboratory customers need to get the job done.