E. coli O157 · Selective enrichment · granulated
Modified EC Broth Base – mEC+n for E. coli O157 enrichment
Modified EC Broth Base is used with novobiocin as mEC+n, a selective enrichment broth for E. coli O157:H7 in meat, dairy products and vegetables. The granulated format produces less dust when weighing and dissolves evenly.
- Base for mEC+n enrichment broth
- Complete with Novobiocin Selective Supplement
- Granulated – less dust, better flow
How Modified EC Broth Base works
Tryptose provides nutrients, lactose is the fermentable sugar and phosphate buffers keep the pH stable. Bile salts inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, and novobiocin added after sterilisation suppresses further competing flora. The enriched culture is subcultured on CT-SMAC or chromogenic O157 agar, and typical colonies are confirmed.
Typical reactions
| Organism | Reaction |
| E. coli O157:H7 | Growth; on CT-SMAC colourless colonies with grey-brown centre |
| Enterococcus faecalis | No growth |
Technical data
| Preparation | 36.6 g/L; boil to dissolve, dispense, autoclave 121 °C 15 min; after cooling add one vial of Novobiocin Selective Supplement per 225 mL |
| Final pH | 6.9 ± 0.2 |
| Incubation | 36 ± 1 °C, 18–24 h |
| Storage | Dry, dark place; keep the container tightly closed |
| Shelf life | 3 years unopened |
Applications and practical notes
E. coli O157 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are tested in meat, raw milk products, sprouts and vegetables, for example according to ISO 16654 and FDA BAM Chapter 4a. Typical applications include:
- Raw and minced meat, especially beef
- Raw milk and raw-milk cheese
- Sprouts, leafy greens and other fresh produce
- Outbreak investigations and environmental samples
Working with Modified EC Broth Base: Add the novobiocin supplement only after the broth has cooled, because novobiocin is heat sensitive; one vial is enough for 225 mL.
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.
Modified EC Broth Base is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Modified EC Broth Base, please send us a request. With every delivery of Modified EC Broth Base you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Modified EC Broth Base.
Where Modified EC Broth Base fits in E. coli O157 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Modified EC Broth Base (mEC+n), granulated | PRO7635 | 250 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.
