Reliable Detection of Cereulide in Food and Infant Nutrition

What is Cereulide?

Cereulide is a heat-stable, emetic toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Unlike many other bacterial toxins, cereulide is not destroyed by heat. Even when the Bacillus bacteria are no longer detectable, the toxin remains in the food. Multiple forms of cereulide exist (isocereulides), with cereulide itself accounting for approximately 90% of the toxin fraction.

How Cereulide Enters Food

Bacillus cereus spores can easily enter the food chain via dust, soil particles, or raw materials. The so-called "emetic Bacillus cereus" strains are capable of producing cereulide. According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), illnesses caused by B. cereus are not limited to starchy foods. In addition to rice, pasta, and potato products, milk and dairy products, as well as heated meat-, fish-, vegetable-, and mushroom-based dishes, can be relevant – meaning a wide range of foods may be affected.

Spore germination can be prevented through rapid cooling (<7 °C) or sufficient hot-holding (>60 °C).

 

Relevance for Food Safety

Cereulide is characterized by its stability and toxicity:

• Thermostable, pH-resistant, and enzyme-tolerant
• Can cause rapid vomiting within 0.5–6 hours
• Particularly critical for infants and young children

 

Special Risk for Infants and Young Children

Lower threshold limits apply to infants and young children due to:

• Low body weight
• Immature detoxification systems
• Even small amounts of cereulide can cause symptoms in vulnerable individuals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.014 μg per kg body weight for infants to minimize health risks. EFSA has also defined critical concentrations in infant and follow-on formula, which can be reliably detected.

 

How does cereulide get into food?

The Role of Bacillus cereus

Bacillus cereus is a widespread bacterium whose spores can be found in raw materials, production environments, dust, and water. Certain strains are capable of producing cereulide. Toxin formation is particularly likely when:

• Cold chains are interrupted
• Food is stored for extended periods at inappropriate temperatures
• Hygiene measures are not consistently applied

 

Biofilm Risk

Biofilms in production facilities pose an additional risk, as Bacillus cereus strains can establish themselves there and produce cereulide, leading to repeated contamination of individual batches.

 

Detection of Cereulide

Analytical Method

Detection of cereulide is carried out according to ISO 18465:2017 using accredited, highly sensitive LC-MS/MS analysis. At Bilacon, an internal ^13C-labeled standard is used for the reliable detection of the emetic B. cereus toxin in food and infant nutrition.

Our analysis enables:

• Reliable quantitative determination of cereulide
• High specificity through mass spectrometric identification
• Suitability for complex matrices, including infant formula
• Support for risk assessment, quality control, and recall management

This provides manufacturers, distributors, and authorities with a precise, standards-compliant tool to identify risks early and protect consumers – especially infants.

Tailored for Infant Nutrition

Due to its extreme heat stability, cereulide poses a relevant risk for all starch- or protein-rich products, but particularly for the infant nutrition sector. Methods have been specifically adapted for infant formula to achieve very low detection limits and minimize matrix effects.

 

Analysis time

Typically a few working days after sample receipt, depending on sample volume and matrix. Express analysis (same day or next day) is also available upon request.

 

Tentamus – Your Reliable Partner for Cereulide Analysis

As part of the Tentamus Group, Bilacon provides highly specialized cereulide analysis in food. Manufacturers, distributors, and authorities benefit from:

• Standards-compliant testing based on ISO 18465:2017
• State-of-the-art LC-MS/MS technology
• High expertise in complex matrices, including infant formula
• Minimization of recall risks before products reach the market

Regular monitoring for cereulide is especially recommended for:

• Infant formula
• Baby food
• Dairy products
• Ready-to-eat meals
• High-fat ingredients

In the sensitive area of infant nutrition, proactive testing plays a crucial role in minimizing health risks.