In response to recent food safety incidents and product recalls related to cereulide, a heat-stable emetic toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus group, we continue to expand our cereulide testing capabilities in a range of food products, including infant and baby foods, dairy and milk powders.
At the same time, 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.
What is cereulide and why is it important?
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:
- Infant and baby foods
- Rice and rice-based products, including ready-to-eat meals
- Dairy powders and milk powder
- Lipid-rich ingredients such as specialty oils
- Powdered and processed food products
How is cereulide tested?
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:
- Exceptional specificity and sensitivity
- Reliable quantification at ultra-trace levels
- Robust performance in complex food matrices
Our validated method utilizing ISO 18465 achieves a limit of quantification (LOQ) down to 0.1 ppb, supporting rigorous product safety verification, risk assessment and incident investigations.
Complementary detection of cereulide-producing strains
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:
- Identification of potentially emetic B. cereus strains
- Support for root cause analysis and environmental investigations
- Early hazard screening where toxin testing may not be applicable
Combining toxin quantification and genetic hazard identification delivers a more complete assessment of cereulide-related risks across the food chain.
SGS capabilities
Our laboratories now offer cereulide testing with a validated scope covering:
- Specialty oils (lipid-rich ingredients)
- Powdered ingredients
- Milk powder
- Additional matrices validated upon request, based on customer-specific products and risk profiles
Supporting the food market
With our global laboratory network, technical expertise and harmonized methodologies, we help food businesses:
- Manage emerging chemical and microbiological hazards
- Strengthen product safety and brand protection
- Meet customer, regulatory and import/export requirements
- Respond effectively to food safety incidents and recalls
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:
Anna Theil-Gangl
Global Head of Food Business Development
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
