CHROMagar™ Cronobacter (Powder Pack, 500G)

Chromogenic Medium for the Detection of Cronobacter spp. in Compliance with ISO 22964

CHROMagar™ Cronobacter is a selective chromogenic agar designed for the detection and presumptive identification of Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) from food, animal feed, and environmental samples. It is fully compliant with ISO 22964 and is an essential tool for the microbiological quality control of powdered infant formula and other food safety-critical products.

This chromogenic medium enables rapid and visually clear detection of Cronobacter spp., which appear as intense green to blue colonies, while most other Gram-negative organisms remain colorless or display different hues, improving specificity and reducing false positives.

Colony Appearance

Performance

Cronobacter spp. are opportunistic pathogens known for their ability to survive in dry environments, making them a serious risk in powdered infant formula, cereals, herbal teas, starches, and processing environments. Infections can lead to severe outcomes in neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, meningitis, and sepsis.

CHROMagar™ Cronobacter offers:

• High specificity and sensitivity in selective isolation of Cronobacter spp.
• Rapid visual differentiation through chromogenic color development
• Compliance with international testing standards (ISO 22964)
• Efficient screening of complex matrices, including dry and processed foods

Intended Use

CHROMagar™ Cronobacter is intended for the qualitative detection and isolation of Cronobacter spp. in:

• Powdered infant formula
• Dried milk products
• Starch, cereals, teas, and food ingredients
• Animal feed
• Environmental swabs from food production areas

Not intended for diagnostic use in clinical settings. Suspect colonies should be confirmed using biochemical or molecular methods.

Advantages

1. ISO 22964 Compliant
   Manufactured and validated according to ISO standards for Cronobacter spp. detection in food safety testing.
2. Distinctive Colony Coloration
   Cronobacter spp. appear green to blue after 24 hours of incubation at 41.5 °C, improving visibility and reducing misinterpretation.
3. High Selectivity
   Most other Gram-negative background flora are either inhibited or grow in non-interfering colors (clear green, yellow, black).
4. Versatile and Easy-to-Use
   Suitable for a wide range of matrices, including dry powders and environmental surfaces.
5. Efficient Workflow
   Enables early detection of potential contamination, supporting critical food safety decisions.

Test Procedure

1. Sample Preparation: As per ISO 22964 protocol (pre-enrichment recommended)
2. Inoculation: Direct plating from enrichment broth onto CHROMagar™ Cronobacter
3. Incubation:
   • Temperature: 41.5 °C
   • Time: 24 hours
4. Interpretation:
   • Green to blue colonies = presumptive Cronobacter spp.
   • Other colors = background flora

Ordering Information

Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage: 2–8 °C, dry and sealed
• Shelf Life: Up to 24 months from date of manufacture
• Prepared Media: Use within validated shelf-life as per usage instructions

CHROMagar™ Cronobacter is a trusted, ISO-compliant chromogenic medium offering accurate, rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. in food and environmental samples. With its distinctive colony colors, high selectivity, and ease of interpretation, it is an essential tool for food microbiology labs focused on infant food safety and quality assurance.