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What is Bacillus cereus?

Last Updated: February 25, 2010

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Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming, Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium associated with food poisoning in humans. The food poisoning is a result of ingesting toxins produced by the bacteria. B. cereus is widespread in the soil and and may be found in such foods as herbs, spices, milk, and vegetables. Food poisoning results not only from the presence of toxins in contaminated foods, but also from improper food handling/storage or improper cooling of cooked food.

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