Recent food safety incidents and product recalls have spotlighted cereulide, a heat-stable emetic toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus group, as an increasingly significant risk in specific food categories. Consequently, food manufacturers, brand owners and importers/exporters are proactively integrating cereulide testing into their food safety, quality assurance and due diligence programs to enhance product protection and ensure regulatory compliance.
Cereulide is a cyclic peptide toxin responsible for the emetic (vomiting) form of Bacillus cereus food poisoning. Unlike the bacterial cells, cereulide is remarkably resistant to heat, pH changes and common food processing conditions, meaning it may persist in the final product even when microbiological criteria seem satisfactory.
Its potent toxicity at extremely low concentrations has driven heightened scrutiny from regulators and the food industry, particularly in:
ISO 18465 is the internationally recognized method for the determination of cereulide in food using liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This advanced analytical approach provides:
Our validated method utilizing ISO 18465 achieves a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 ppb, supporting rigorous product safety verification, risk assessment and incident investigations.
In addition to direct toxin analysis, we offer qualitative detection of the "ces gene", which encodes the cereulide peptide synthase in Bacillus cereus group strains. This test, performed in accordance with ISO 7932-based approach, enables:
Combining toxin quantification and genetic hazard identification delivers a more complete assessment of cereulide-related risks across the food chain.
Our laboratories now offer cereulide testing with a validated scope covering:
With our global laboratory network, technical expertise and harmonized methodologies, we help food businesses:
As awareness of cereulide continues to grow, we remain committed to supporting the food industry with science-based, reliable and globally recognized testing solutions.
For further information, please contact.
Dr. Murat Cokakli
Global Food Microbiology Technical Manager
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