Bacterial Toxins
Controlling bacterial toxins is a fundamental aspect of modern food safety, as certain bacteria can produce highly potent compounds capable of causing serious illness even when the microorganisms themselves are no longer present. Toxin-producing species such as Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium botulinum can contaminate raw materials, processing environments, or finished products, and their toxins often withstand heat or other preservation methods. Because of this resilience, consistent monitoring and robust hygiene practices are essential to reduce contamination risks throughout the entire production chain. Effective toxin management not only protects consumers but also helps food businesses maintain product quality and avoid costly recalls or reputational damage.

Common Bacteria Producing Toxins
Species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Staphylococcus intermedius produce one or more heat-stable proteins that act as enterotoxins (SET). These toxins are major causes of food poisoning, alongside Salmonella and Campylobacter. A population of 5 x 10⁵ cells of enterotoxin-producing S. aureus strains per gram of food is typically required to cause intoxication. However, other studies indicate that only 100 – 200ng of Staphylococcus enterotoxins can trigger symptoms.
SET intoxications are frequently linked to a variety of foods, including pasta, meat products, ham, pies, chicken meat products, fish and fish products, milk and dairy products, ice cream, egg products, salads, pastries, and cake fillings. The enterotoxins from serological groups A, B, C, D, and E are particularly significant.
Another significant toxin-producing bacterium is enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). These bacteria produce toxic substances known as verotoxin or shiga toxin, and are therefore also referred to as verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) or shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Infections with STEC/VTEC are among the most common food-related bacterial diseases and can be fatal. Common sources of contamination include raw meat and unpasteurized dairy products.
Implementing reliable toxin detection and routine surveillance supports early identification of hazards, allowing producers to respond quickly before contaminated products enter the market. Monitoring programmes help maintain strict hygiene control measures, verify sanitation procedures, and ensure that facilities operate within required regulatory limits. They also contribute to continuous improvement within food safety management systems by providing clear evidence of compliance with industry standards. By using validated analytical methods and rapid test systems, manufacturers can confidently assess the presence of toxins from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or enterohemorrhagic E. coli, ensuring that risks are properly managed and controlled. Ultimately, comprehensive toxin monitoring is essential for safeguarding public health, strengthening consumer trust, and upholding high food safety standards across the entire supply chain.

Products By Microbiological Contamination
Product Portfolio
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R4105 | RIDASCREEN® SET Total (96 tests) | 96 Determinations | |
| R4101 | RIDASCREEN® SET A,B,C,D,E | 12 Tests |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS9621 | Compact Dry X-SA | 100 Nutrient Plates | |
| HS8781 | Compact Dry EC | 100 Nutrient Plates |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| F5504 | SureFast® Fecal Screen 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5265 | SureFast® STEC 4plex ONE | 100 Reactions | |
| F7117 | SureFast® MRSA 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5168 | SureFast® Escherichia coli Serotype II 4plex | 48 Reactions | |
| F5167 | SureFast® Escherichia coli Serotype I 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5504 | SureFast® Fecal Screen 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5175 | SureFast® Foodborne Pathogens 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5105 | SureFast®STEC Screening PLUS | 100 Reactions | |
| F5157 | SureFast® Escherichia coli PLUS | 100 Reactions | |
| F5128 | SureFast® EHEC/EPEC 4plex | 100 Reactions | |
| F5116 | SureFast® Staphylococcus aureus PLUS | 100 Reactions |
