Food, Water & Environmental Bottled & Bagged Media List
Bottled & Bagged ready to use culture media for the food, water and environmental microbiological testing laboratories: Broths, agars and diluents are dispensed into various containers and volumes using both manual and fully automated microbiology laboratory equipment production lines. An extensive range of containers/volumes and microbiological media formulations are on offer to meet your individual requirements.
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Alkaline Peptone Water is generally used as an enrichment medium in the isolation of Vibrio spp. from faeces. The high pH of the medium inhibits most enteric organisms for at least 24 hours. The medium is heavily inoculated with faeces and after not more than 8 hours incubation a loopful from the top of the medium is sub cultured onto TCBS Agar. This enrichment medium is also used for food and water testing. -
Bile Aesculin Medium is generally used for the differentiation and presumptive identification of Group D streptococci (enterococci). Enterococci hydrolyse aesculin forming, amongst other products, aesculetin which in turn combines with Ferric ammonium citrate producing a dark brown or black complex. The presence of Bile salts in the medium inhibits gram positive organisms other than enterococci. The medium can also be used for the presumptive identification of certain organisms within the Enterobacteriaceae group such as Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., etc. -
BM0070 Brain Heart Infusion Broth is a nutritious, isotonic, general-purpose medium suitable for the isolation of most micro-organisms including many fastidious organisms and, with enrichment as appropriate, is suitable as a base for blood culture medium. Modern BHI typically uses an infusion from porcine brains and hearts rather than calf brain tissue, and uses disodium phosphate as a buffer, rather than the calcium carbonate used by Rosenow and Haden. It is a nutrient-rich medium and can therefore be used to culture a variety of fastidious organisms, including streptococci, pneumococci, and meningococci, which can be challenging to grow. Brain Heart Infusion Broth is recommended by the FDA BAM for the enrichment for pathogenic Escherichia coli in foods and environmental samples, and as a medium used in the coagulase test for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus from foods, and Gram-positive cocci from cosmetic samples. NB: Organisms that produce large amounts of acid in the medium may overwhelm the buffering system and as a result ‘auto-sterilise’ the culture. -
This medium is used to detect and/or confirm the presence of coli-aerogenes group of organisms in water, food and dairy laboratories. Bile and Brilliant Green are included in the medium to inhibit gram positive organisms while the coli-aerogenes organisms are identified by the formation of gas during the fermentation of Lactose. The medium can also be used for the confirmation of Escherichia coli by incubating at 44°C. -
This is a modification of the original Nitrate Reduction Broth which is generally used as one of a series of identification tests for the enterobacteriaceae group of organisms. In addition to allowing the testing of Nitrate Reduction this formulation also contains Agar making it possible to concurrently determine motility. The medium is recommended for use in the confirmatory testing of Clostridium perfringens in water samples. The medium is inoculated by “stabbing” the test organism into the medium, using an inoculating needle or straight wire, and after appropriate incubation motility is demonstrated by diffusion of the organism from the line of inoculation into the medium. The Nitrate Reduction Test is a test for the presence of the enzyme nitrate reductase which, in the presence of an appropriate electron donor, reduces nitrate to nitrite. Following incubation “Nitrate Reagent” is added to the medium and a positive reaction is indicated by the formation of a red colour. For full details of the test method reference should be made to appropriate publications. -
A pre-enrichment medium designed to help sub-lethally damaged Salmonella spp. recover before introducing them into a selective medium. This non-selective, nutritious medium is free from inhibitors and is well buffered to maintain the pH at 7.0 for the incubation period according to ISO 6579 (2002). -
This is one of a number of selective enrichment broths that can be used in the isolation of Campylobacter spp from clinical, food and environmental specimens and contains nutrients to aid in the resuscitation of damaged organisms. The medium is enriched with Lysed Horse Blood and made selective by the inclusion of Vancomycin, Cefoperazone, Trimethoprim and Amphotericin B. Following incubation at 37ºC the broth is usually sub-cultured onto an appropriate solid Campylobacter medium. -
The principle use for this product is in the testing of disinfectants and antiseptics. In 1989, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) set up a technical committee to produce harmonised test methods for disinfectants and antiseptics. The CEN standards provide a useful basis for disinfectant validation, and although alternative methods could be used for assessing disinfectant efficacy, following the same basic methods allows not only direct comparison between products but also comparison across various different laboratories. The adaptability of the methods - numerous validation studies based on the CEN methods have been accepted by both the European and US regulatory authorities - allows end- users to customise the methods to their specific requirements. Lecithin and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) inactivate surface disinfectants (lecithin neutralises quaternary ammonium compounds and Tween 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene and in combination with the lecithin ethanol). L-histidine, in combination with lecithin and Tween 80, neutralises aldehydes and formaldehyde generating agents. Sodium thiosulphate neutralises iodine and chlorine.
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Columbia Agar is a nutritious general-purpose basal medium capable of supporting the growth of most micro-organisms, including many fastidious organisms that do not require blood. However when further enriched with Sterile Blood, which can be “chocolated” if required, the medium is generally used for the isolation of most clinically significant pathogens. The medium can be made selective for various groups of organisms by the addition of a range of antimicrobial supplements. This formulation complies with the Harmonized USP/EP/JP. -
For in vitro diagnostic use. BM0650 Deionised Water is used as a diluent for, where required, the preparation of clinical specimens and microbiological samples, the dilution of microorganisms and reconstitution of lyophilised antibiotic supplements during culture media preparation. Deionised Water is purified water that can be used as a general-purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. It may be used for creating 0.5 McFarland suspensions of bacterial isolates for identification tests or processing clinical specimens or industrial samples prior to microbiological examination. -
For in vitro diagnostic use. BM0655 Distilled Water can be used in the preparation of bacterial suspensions and as a diluent in areas of the laboratory. Distilled Water is manufactured from the distillation of deionised water. During this process almost all the impurities in the water are removed and this is why distilled water is chosen for specific laboratory applications. -
A sterile concentrated emulsion of premium egg yolks, suitable for incorporation in culture media which detect lecithinase production by bacteria. It can be used in media for Bacillus cereus and Staphylococci. Used with serum and Filde’s extract it may be used to produce Nagler plates for Clostridia. -
This is a sterile emulsion of Egg Yolk in Saline containing Potassium Tellurite and is generally used as a selective differential agent in Baird Parker Medium. The complete medium is selective for Staphylococcus aureus as the Potassium Tellurite inhibits most coliform organisms and is also reduced by Staphylococcus aureus to tellurite giving typical black colonies on the Baird Parker Medium.
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Enterobacteriaceae Enrichment Broth E.E. Broth is recommended as an enrichment medium when examining food and feedstuffs for Enterobacteriaceae. It is a modification of Brilliant Green Bile Broth, with an improved buffering capacity to encourage early growth and prevent autosterilization. E.E. Broth uses glucose instead of lactose to make the medium a test for all enterobacteria including non lactose fermenting organisms. -
A modification of UVM Medium, Fraser Broth is a secondary selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Listeria spp primarily from food and environmental specimens. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of Nalidixic Acid and Acriflavine. Darkening of the broth following incubation, due to the presence of Aesculin and Ferric Ammonium Citrate, is indicative of the presence of Listeria spp. Lithium Chloride is also included to inhibit the growth of enterococci that would otherwise hydrolyse the Aesculin. This medium is generally used in conjunction with Fraser Broth Half-Strength (BM0647). NB: It should be noted that the lack of darkening of the broth should not be taken as a final negative result and all Fraser Broth enrichment cultures should be sub-cultured onto an appropriate selective agar medium irrespective of colour. -
A modification of UVM11 Medium, Fraser Broth Half-Strength is a primary selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Listeria spp. from food and environmental samples and is generally used in conjunction with Fraser Broth (BM0640). Although the base is identical to Fraser Broth it differs in that it contains only half the quantity of selective agents (Nalidixic acid and Acriflavine). -
Glucose agar allows for the detection of glucose fermentation (with or without gas production) as an identification test for Enterobacteriaceae (ISO 21528) and B.cereus (ISO 7932). It is further enriched by the addition of Yeast Extract. Bromocresol Purple is also included and acts as an indicator of glucose fermentation. -
Glycerol Diluent is suitable for preparing suspensions of bacterial and fungal isolates for frozen storage. It maintains organisms by protecting the cells from unnecessary physiological shock that may occur using other aqueous solutions.
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This is a chemical complex which should be used in conjunction with BM0945 Muller – Kauffmann Tetrathionate Broth Base. It is recommended that the complex is used as a 2% solution with the base media and should be only added on the day of use. -
This is a modification of the traditional liquid media used to differentiate and identify micro-organisms. It consists of a Buffered Tryptose base containing Lactose and solidified with Gelatin which permits detection of Gelatin Liquefaction where appropriate. Phenol Red Indicator is also included as an indicator of pH change. -
Product description to follow.
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Letheen Broth with Neutraliser and 1% Tween 80 is primarily intended for use in assessing the bactericidal activity of quaternary ammonium compounds and determining the phenol coefficient of cationic surfactants. It can also be used in environmental testing, particularly in areas subjected to surface disinfection. Lecithin and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) inactivate surface disinfectants (lecithin neutralises quaternary ammonium compounds and Tween 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene and in combination with the lecithin ethanol).
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This is a selective medium for the isolation of ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) producing strains of Escherichia coli. It should be noted that AmpC isolates may also be detected on this medium whilst non - ESBL organisms will be inhibited on this medium. The inclusion of bromocresol purple indicator displays the acid production due to the lactose fermentation by means of a colour change from purple to yellow. N.B. – This is double strength broth.
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Malt Extract Agar is a medium for the isolation of many yeasts and moulds. The low pH inhibits most bacteria and further selectivity can be achieved by lowering the pH even more by adding lactic acid to the molten cooled, medium. This formulation is customer specific with a request for an additional 5g/L of agar from the customer. It should be noted that excess heating of the medium could result in hydrolysis of the agar resulting in softening of the agar.
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Malt Extract Agar (pH 5.6) is recommended for the detection and isolation and enumeration of yeasts and moulds (1). The medium is also used in the testing of foods and various materials and for the cultivation of the strains for microbiological vitamin assays. Malt Extract Agar (pH 5.6) has been used to cultivate fungi and yeast cultures in the sugar industry, in the manufacturing of syrups, soft drinks, and foods.
This medium meets the requirements of The British Standards Institution (2).
References- Galloway, L. and Burgess, R. (1952) Applied Mycology and Bacteriology, Leonard Hill, London. Thom and Church, 1926. The Aspergilli.
- The British Standards Institution (2015) BS EN 16615:2015 Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Quantitative test method for the evaluation of bactericidal and yeasticidal activity on non-porous surfaces with mechanical action employing wipes in the medical area (4- field test). Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 2). Published by BSI Standards Limited.
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BM0370 Selenite Mannitol Broth is a selective enrichment medium used for the isolation of Salmonella species from clinical, food and environmental specimens. Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media. Selenite Mannitol Broth is recommended for the enrichment of Salmonella species from faecal specimens in UK SMI S7 for the investigation of gastroenteritis. -
Maximum Recovery Diluent (Peptone/ Saline Diluent) An osmotically controlled solution for the preparations of suspensions of food samples and for use as a diluent in dilution techniques for bacterial enumeration. The presence of a low level peptone lessens the physiological shock normally experienced by bacterial cells when they are introduced to a diluent such as Ringers Solution. The level of peptone is such that multiplication of the organisms is not possible in the time in which the sample will be present in the diluent. -
For the enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform organisms in water using a Membrane Filtration Technique. Previously known as Membrane Enriched Teepol Broth, Lauryl Sulphate has replaced Teepol 610, which is no longer available. Phenol Red is included in the medium making it possible for coliforms to be more readily detected following incubation.
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This is a liquid medium for growing pure cultures of Mycobacterium spp., including M. tuberculosis, for use in antimicrobial assays and biochemical tests. The medium is complex but includes L-Glutamic acid, ammonium sulphate, sodium citrate, pyridoxine and biotin as growth factors as well as magnesium sulphate and ferric ammonium citrate as sources of trace ions. Di-sodium phosphate and Mono-potassium phosphate are also present to maintain the pH of the medium. The medium is further enriched by the addition of the Middlebrook OADC Enrichment supplement. OADC contains oleic acid to provide fatty acids for growth promotion, bovine albumin and catalase as protective compounds as well as sodium chloride and dextrose.
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This medium is recommended by BSI and ISO for the enumeration of viable organisms in milk and other dairy products. It can also be used as a general-purpose medium for the cultivation of most organisms, particularly those that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements.
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A broth suitable for the cultivation of bacteria especially members of the Enterobacteriacae genus. This medium allows for the detection of gas when a Durhum tube is incorporated in the medium. -
A broth suitable for the cultivation of bacteria especially members of the Enterobacteriacae genus. Which allows the detection of acid & gas when a Durhum tube is incorporated in the medium. -
Modified Semi Solid Rappaport Vassiliadis Medium (MSRV) is a modification of Rappaport-Vassiliadis enrichment broth for detecting motile Salmonella spp. in faeces and food products. The original research on MSRV Medium revealed a semi-solid could be used as a rapid and sensitive test for isolating motile Salmonella spp. from food products following pre-enrichment or selective enrichment. The semi-solid medium allows motility to be detected as halos of growth around the original point of inoculation.
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This is best described as a multi-purpose medium for differentiation of enterobacteriacae that combines three individual tests into a single medium. For use the medium is inoculated by making a single stab into the medium with a straight wire (or equivalent) using a pure culture (or discrete single colony) of the test organism. Following incubation it is recommended that the medium should first of all be examined to determine whether or not the organism is motile. The presence of motility is apparent by the organism tracking out from the line of inoculation and often turning the medium turbid. Non-motile organisms generally grow within the stab line leaving the surrounding medium clear. Urease positive organisms (e.g. Proteus spp) turn the medium bright red due to the hydrolysis of the Urea in the presence of the Phenol Red Indicator often making it difficult to determine the other parameters.Indole is tested for by layering a small amount of Indole Reagent (Erlich’s or Kovac’s appear to work equally well) onto the surface of the medium and allowed a few minutes to react. A positive result is indicated by the formation of a red line at the interface of the reagent and the medium. -
de Man, Rogosa & Sharpe (MRS) Agar M.R.S. Agar is intended for the cultivation and enumeration of Lactobacillus spp from a variety of sources and can be used as an alternative to Orange Serum Agar for that purpose. Magnesium Sulphate, Manganese Sulphate, Sodium Acetate and Tween are included as growth supplements. The medium can be made more specific for lactobacilli generally by lowering the pH to between 5.0 and 5.5. This has the effect of inhibiting most streptococci that may otherwise grow on the medium and can be readily confused with lactobacilli. -
This is a solution of novobiocin used as the selective agent in Modified Semi Solid Rappaport Vassiliadis Medium (BM4031) for the detection of motile Salmonella spp.
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This is a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Salmonella spp. primarily from food and food product samples and conforms to the requirements ISO 6579:2002. It can however be used in other areas including clinical and environmental specimens. Salmonella reduce Tetrathionate and will proliferate in the medium whilst most other enteric organisms are inhibited. Unlike the older traditional Tetrathionate Broth the addition of Novobiocin (40mg/L) improves the inhibition of Proteus spp. Immediately prior to use it is necessary to add 200µl of 2% Iodine/Iodide Solution (BM0946 - Supplied with the medium). Once the Iodine/Iodide Solution has been added the medium should be used immediately and cannot be stored for future use. NB: As this is an opaque medium, the turbidity of the broth alone cannot be used as an indication of growth. -
This is a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Salmonellae spp. primarily from food and food product samples and conforms to the requirements as described in ISO 6579:2002. It can however be used in other areas including for clinical and environmental specimens. Salmonella reduce Tetrathionate and will proliferate in the medium whilst most other enteric organisms are inhibited. Unlike the older traditional Tetrathionate Broth the addition of Novobiocin (40mg/L) improves the inhibition of Proteus spp. This complete medium already includes the 2% Iodine solution that is traditionally added immediately before use. NB: As this is an opaque medium turbidity cannot be used as an indication of growth. -
This is a general-purpose neutralising diluent used particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Lecithin, L-histidine and Tween 80 are present to inactivate surface disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, aldehydes (including formaldehyde), hexachlorophene and ethanol. The diluent may be used in sampling surfaces and equipment (including endoscopes) to detect the presence of surviving microorganisms after disinfection. The presence of the surfactant Tween 80 also helps release adherent organisms from surfaces being tested.
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This is a non-nutrient medium based on Page’s Amoeba Saline, a buffered salt solution, solidified with 1.5% Agar.
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For in vitro diagnostic use. BM0540 Nutrient Agar is a basic general-purpose medium suitable for use in the cultivation and subculture of the less fastidious organisms. Nutrient agar was first described by the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1917. It is used to check the purity of subcultures from isolation plates prior to biochemical or serological tests. It is particularly useful for the cultivation of the less fastidious organisms, particularly those that do not require the addition of blood or other enrichment. It is one of the most important and commonly used non-selective media for the routine cultivation of microorganisms. Nutrient Agar slopes can be used to maintain organisms as it allows prolonged survival of cultures at ambient temperature without the risk of overgrowth that might occur with more nutritious mediums. -
BM0550 Nutrient Broth is a basic general-purpose medium suitable for use in the cultivation of the less fastidious organisms. Nutrient broth is based on the recipe for Nutrient Agar, which was first described by the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1917 as a medium to cultivate a wide variety of organisms. Although, a basic general-purpose medium, this medium can be enriched with other ingredients such as blood, serum, sodium chloride, sugars, etc., for special purposes. -
Based on Nutrient Broth with an additional 6.5% Sodium Chloride (Total Sodium Chloride content = 7%) this medium is suitable for use in the investigation of outbreaks involving Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA. The additional Sodium Chloride inhibits most other organisms allowing the staphylococci to multiply freely even if present in small numbers. The medium is generally used as an enrichment medium in conjunction with subculture onto selective solid media. -
A general-purpose medium that can be used as a base for carbohydrate fermentation media. It has a high level of Tryptone and is therefore also suitable for use in Indole testing. -
This is one of the large group of media, affectionately known as ‘Peptone Water Sugars’, that are generally used in the screening and/or identification of organisms particularly the enterobacteriacae. A positive fermentation of the substrate is clearly indicated by the medium turning pink due to the inclusion Andrade’s Indicator. -
This is a base medium to which can be added selective supplements of choice for the presumptive identification and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens in food products using poured plate techniques. Sodium metabisulphite and Ferric ammonium citrate are included in the base and together provide an indicator of sulphite reaction by Clostridium perfringens, which produces black colonies on the medium. It is recommended that this medium be used with an overlay otherwise cultures may not grow as black colonies. NB: This is a base medium only and contains no selective supplements. -
Based on the formulation of Dulbecco Solution ‘A’ this balanced salt solution is intended for use primarily in Tissue Culture techniques. It can be used either on its own or with the addition of Calcium and Magnesium salts (Dulbecco Solution B). -
Originally intended for use in surface counting and pour plating techniques this medium can be used as a general purpose medium for the cultivation of most organisms particularly those that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements. Can also be used as a maintenance medium for stock cultures. -
This medium is recommended for the detection and enumeration of yeasts and moulds in food and dairy products. It can also be used for the cultivation of fungi although with the prolonged incubation necessary cultures may become overgrown by bacteria. The low pH (5.6) suppresses the growth of most bacteria and the low mineral content ensures good pigment production by fungi where appropriate. -
BM8050 Primary Listeria Diagnostic Supplement is used to enhance the differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes from other Listeria spp. found in food and environmental samples. BM8050 is designed to be used with E&O KM0058 to form Primary Listeria Agar. Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soil, sewage, and faeces. It is difficult to eradicate, and can cause serious food poisoning; therefore, L. monocytogenes is frequently tested for in food processing facilities to avoid contamination. Contamination can occur at all steps of the food manufacturing chain from raw materials to point of consumption. Primary Listeria Agar is used for the detection and presumptive identification of Listeria spp. and the specific differentiation of L. monocytogenes. Based on the method of Ottaviani et al (1 2), this medium allows detection and enumeration of Listeria spp. as early as 24 hours. Primary Listeria Agar is recommended by ISO 11290-1:2017 (3) and ISO 11290-2:2017 (4) and tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014 (5).
- Ottaviani, F., Ottaviani, M., and Agosti M. (1997) Differential agar medium for Listeria monocytogenes. Quimper Froid Symposium Proceedings, P6 ADRIA Quimper, France, 16-18 June.
- Ottaviani, F., Ottaviani, M.G., and Agosti, M. (1997). Esperienze su un agar selettivo e differenziale per Listeria monocytogenes. Industrie Alimentari, 36: 888-889.
- International Organization for Standardization (2017) 11290-1:2017 Microbiology of the food chain – Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. – Part 1: Detection method. Geneva, ISO.
- International Organization for Standardization (2017) 11290-2:2017 Microbiology of the food chain – Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. – Part 2: Enumeration method. Geneva, ISO.
- International Organization for Standardization (2014) 11133:2014 Microbiology of food, animal feed and water – Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media. Geneva, ISO.