BACILLUS CEREUS

What is Bacillus Cereus?

Bacillus Cereus is a gram-positive bacterium capable of generating spores that cause food-borne infections. Foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria are a major public health problem worldwide. Among these opportunistic pathogens Bacillus cereus is one of the best known together with other spore producers such as Clostridium Botulinum.

What infection is caused by Bacillus cereus bacteria?

Bacillus cereus bacteria cause two types of gastrointestinal food-borne infections: diarrhoeal syndrome and emetic syndrome.  The type of infection will depend on the strain and the toxin it has generated.

Why is the control of the pathogenic bacterium Bacillus Cereus complicated?

The control of this pathogen is complicated by its ability to generate resistant spores and survive different adverse conditions. People who are susceptible to infection or poisoning are often those who keep food at room temperature after cooking. This can facilitate the growth of bacteria and the production of toxins in the food before it is consumed. Therefore, if cooking has not completely eliminated the bacteria, it is the absence of immediate refrigeration that will allow bacteria to proliferate.

What foods contain Bacillus cereus?

Bacillus cereus can be found in a number of foods, the most common matrix being dairy products. However, it is also found in meat products, in these cases the incidence is usually higher because many of them include other ingredients, such as spices, which can carry these toxins. Finally, it can also be found in other foods such as various desserts, pulses, sauces and soups.

In all these cases it shows persistence in factories, as well as causing commercial spoilage of the food.

How can Bacillus cereus bacteria be killed with natural preservatives?

To help control the proliferation of this pathogenic bacterium, Amerex has developed natural, safe and clean label preservatives against sporogens.

Want to see an example? Contact us for more information.