CHROMagar™ ECC, 500g

For Simultaneous Detection and Enumeration of E. coli and Other Coliforms

CHROMagar™ ECC is a selective chromogenic culture medium designed for the simultaneous detection, differentiation, and enumeration of Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria in water, food, and environmental samples. On this medium, E. coli colonies appear blue, while other coliforms develop as mauve colonies, allowing for easy distinction between faecal and environmental contamination.

Validated for use in membrane filtration, pour plating, and surface inoculation, CHROMagar™ ECC provides fast and accurate results within 18–24 hours, streamlining workflows in microbiological water and food safety testing.

🔹 Key Features & Benefits

• ✅ Dual Identification:
  • E. coli = Blue colonies → Indicates faecal contamination
  • Other coliforms = Mauve colonies → Indicates organic/environmental contamination
• ✅ High Visual Contrast: Clear distinction with no color blending (unlike other chromogenic media that produce metallic blue or purple hues).
• ✅ Rapid Results: Enumeration of E. coli and coliforms after only 18–24 hours incubation.
• ✅ Multiple Testing Formats:
  • Membrane filtration (e.g., ISO 9308-1 or EPA-approved methods)
  • Pour plate technique
  • Direct surface streaking
• ✅ Efficient Workflow: Replaces complex traditional methods like MI agar, reducing workload and hands-on time.

🔹 Colony Appearance

🔹 Intended Use

CHROMagar™ ECC is intended for:

• Simultaneous detection and enumeration of E. coli and other coliforms from:
  • Drinking water
  • Surface and recreational water
  • Wastewater and effluents
  • Raw and processed foods
  • Environmental surface swabs
• Routine microbiological monitoring in water treatment plants, food production, environmental labs, and public health programs.

⚠️ Not intended for clinical diagnostics or infection treatment decisions. Confirmatory identification may be necessary.

🔹 Regulatory Significance

Coliforms and E. coli are essential microbiological indicators used worldwide to assess faecal contamination, sanitation efficiency, and environmental safety.

EPA Total Coliform Rule (USA):

• ≤1 CFU/100 mL – Drinking water
• <100 CFU/100 mL – Recreational water (body-contact)
• <1,000 CFU/100 mL – Fishing/boating water

European & ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9308-1) also mandate E. coli and coliform absence or low thresholds in drinking water and food.

📌 CHROMagar™ ECC helps meet compliance requirements for food, water, and environmental microbiology labs.

🔹 Test Procedure

1. Sample Types: Drinking water, bottled water, river water, wastewater, milk, vegetables, meat rinse, surface swabs
2. Inoculation Methods:
   • Membrane filtration
   • Pour plate
   • Surface streaking
3. Incubation:
   • Temperature: 35–37 °C
   • Time: 18–24 hours
   • Atmosphere: Aerobic
4. Interpretation:
   • E. coli = Blue colonies
   • Other coliforms = Mauve colonies
   • Count colonies separately for regulatory reporting

🔹 Ordering Information

🔹 Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions: 2–8 °C, dry and protected from light
• Shelf Life: Up to 24 months from date of manufacture
• Prepared Media: Use within the validated period stated in IFU

🔹 Scientific Publications

• Kemper et al., 2023 – Membrane filtration method for E. coli in bathing water
• Wei et al., 2023 – Airborne E. coli dispersal near cattle feedlots (J. Food Protection)
• Kraupner et al., 2021 – Selection of multi-resistant E. coli by hospital effluent (Environment International)

CHROMagar™ ECC offers a simple, accurate, and visually intuitive platform for dual detection of E. coli and coliforms. With high contrast chromogenic differentiation, support for multiple testing formats, and regulatory compliance, it is a powerful solution for water quality, food safety, and hygiene surveillance programs.