SPICES
Adulteration in Spices: Purity, Potency, and Chemistry
Detect adulteration in spices with expert testing. Mérieux NutriSciences uses HPLC and DNA analysis to ensure purity and potency in your supply chain.
Cereulide Testing Services
Mérieux NutriSciences offers ISO-validated cereulide testing using advanced LC-MS/MS to accurately detect and measure the emetic toxin from Bacillus cereus in complex foods, helping you support routine quality programs, meet regulations, respond to incidents, and protect consumers and your brand.
Why Cereulide Testing Requires Specialized Chemistry
Cereulide is a cyclic dodecadepsipeptide emetic toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. Unlike the bacteria itself, cereulide is:
- Heat-stable (survives cooking and pasteurization)
- Acid-stable (resistant to gastric conditions)
- Persistent even after bacterial cells are no longer detectable
Because the toxin may remain present without viable bacteria, traditional microbiological testing alone is insufficient. Direct toxin detection using chemistry-based methods is essential for reliable risk assessment.
ISO-Validated LC-MS/MS Cereulide Analysis
Our Chemistry laboratories utilize state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry) to directly identify and quantify cereulide in food and ingredient matrices.
Analytical Capabilities
- High Sensitivity: Quantitative detection down to 1 ng/g, with upcoming capability to 0.3 ng/g
- ISO-Validated Methods: Aligned with ISO 18465:2017 and FDA BAM Chapter 14
- Regulatory & Recall Support: Includes isotopically labeled internal standards for global investigations
- Rapid Turnaround: Standard 10 business days, with rush options for critical situations
Validated Food Matrices for Cereulide Testing
Our methods are validated across a wide range of challenging matrices, including:
Chemistry Testing Resources
CHEMISTRY
Big 8 Food Allergens—Why Manufacturers Must Manage the Big 9
Mérieux NutriSciences helps manufacturers manage the Big 8 food allergies (now Big 9), ensuring safety, compliance, and brand protection.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Unlock the Secrets to Amazon Dietary Supplement Verification
Discover expert insights on navigating Amazon Dietary Supplement Verification with our industry panel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cereulide (Celluide) Testing
What is cereulide, and why is it a food safety risk? Cereulide is the emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. It is associated with “Fried Rice Syndrome” and causes rapid-onset nausea and vomiting, typically 0.5–6 hours after ingestion. In rare cases, exposure has been linked to severe outcomes such as acute liver failure.
What is “celluide testing”? “Celluide testing” is a common industry misspelling of cereulide testing. Searches for “celluide” typically refer to analysis of the B. cereus emetic toxin. Mérieux NutriSciences ensures accurate cereulide detection regardless of the terminology used during initial inquiries.
Can I just test for Bacillus cereus bacteria? No. Testing for the bacteria alone is often insufficient. A product may contain low or undetectable bacterial counts while still containing pre-formed cereulide toxin. LC-MS/MS chemistry testing is the only reliable way to confirm the absence of the toxin itself.
How do I submit samples for cereulide analysis? Sample size, preparation, and shipping requirements vary by matrix. Our technical representatives will provide detailed guidance to ensure sample integrity and accurate results.