Lab M launches new agar for lactic acid bacteria

Lab M has extended its lactic acid bacteria portfolio with the launch of MRS Agar (ISO) for the cultivation of Lactobacillus spp.

The new addition is one of only two dehydrated formulations of this medium that fully meet the requirements of ISO 15214, a method for the enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria in food items.

In a statement, the company said a growing number of laboratories are looking to use ISO-specified microbiological culture media, as the International Organization for Standardization is playing a greater role in food safety and testing.

The new product has been introduced by Lab M shortly after the launch of Captivate O104, which can be used to test fresh sprouted seeds for the presence of E. coli O104.

A renewed focus was placed on E. coli testing following a serious outbreak of the illness in Europe last year, when the cases were linked to the consumption of fresh sprouted seeds.