Coliforms and E. coli · Selective enrichment
MacConkey Broth – selective enrichment of E. coli and coliforms
MacConkey Broth is a selective lactose broth with bile salts. It is used for the enrichment of E. coli and coliforms, for example in microbial limit tests of non-sterile products, where turbid broths are subcultured on MacConkey Agar.
- Bile salts select Gram-negative bacteria
- Lactose fermentation with acid
- Subculture on MacConkey Agar
How MacConkey Broth works
Bile salts suppress Gram-positive organisms, while peptone and lactose support coliforms. Acid from lactose fermentation changes the indicator colour. Turbid broths are subcultured on MacConkey Agar for isolation of E. coli.
Typical reactions
| Organism | Reaction |
| E. coli | Turbid growth |
| Staphylococcus aureus | No growth, clear broth |
Technical data
| Preparation | 35 g/L; boil to dissolve, dispense, autoclave 121°C 15 min |
| Final pH | 7.3 ± 0.2 |
| Incubation | 42-44°C, 24 h (growth) / 48 h (selectivity) |
| Storage | Dry, dark place; keep the container tightly closed |
| Shelf life | 3 years |
Applications and practical notes
In the multiple-tube (MPN) method for coliforms and E. coli, as described in FDA BAM Chapter 4 and ISO 4831, a presumptive broth is followed by confirmation broths. Typical applications include:
- Coliform and E. coli MPN counts in food and feed
- Testing of water, ice and beverages
- Hygiene monitoring in dairy, meat and ready-to-eat production
- Verification of media and methods with reference strains
Working with MacConkey Broth: Incubate at the temperature given in your method (42–44 °C in pharmacopoeial tests) and subculture all turbid broths.
Good practice with dehydrated media: keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place, weigh the powder quickly to avoid moisture uptake, and use fresh distilled or deionised water. Check the pH of each new batch after preparation and before use, and label prepared media with the date. Performance of each lot can be verified with reference strains according to ISO 11133, the standard for the preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media.
About coliform and E. coli methods: coliforms and E. coli are counted either by the multiple-tube (MPN) method, with a presumptive broth followed by confirmation broths, or by colony counts on selective agars. FDA BAM Chapter 4 describes both approaches for food and water, and ISO 16649-2 gives the colony-count method for β-glucuronidase-positive E. coli on TBX Agar. E. coli O157 and other STEC need dedicated media, serology and PCR. COLO.Science offers media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains for every step.
Complete sets from one supplier: COLO.Science supplies culture media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains as complete sets for the method you follow. Send us your sample types and standards, and we will prepare an offer with the matching products and documentation.
MacConkey Broth is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include MacConkey Broth, please send us a request. With every delivery of MacConkey Broth you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for MacConkey Broth.
Where MacConkey Broth fits in coliform and E. coli testing
- Presumptive test – Lauryl Sulfate Tryptose Broth (MPN) or VRBL / chromogenic agar (colony count)
- Confirmation – BGLB Broth for coliforms; EC or EC-MUG Broth at 44.5 °C for E. coli
- Isolation – EMB, MacConkey, TBX or chromogenic E. coli agar
- Identification – IMViC kit; for O157 and STEC: SMAC or chromogenic O157 agar, latex and PCR
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| MacConkey Broth | PRO7476 | 500 g |
Product notice: preparation, storage conditions and shelf life are given on the label. Technical data on this page are for orientation; the label and the lot documentation apply. B2B prices are quoted net, excluding VAT.
Sales and technical support
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Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
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Need the complete set for your method?
Send the sample type, target organism and the standard you follow. COLO.Science will put together the media, supplements, QC strains and confirmation tests for the whole procedure.
