Public health risks of the Bacillus cereus group

EFSA experts have updated a 2005 scientific opinion Opinions include risk assessments on general scientific issues, evaluations of an application for the authorisation of a product, substance or claim, or an evaluation of a risk assessment on the risks to public health related to Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus species A subdivision of the genus, a species is a group of closely related and similar-looking organisms; for example, in the case of Homo sapiens (humans), the second part of the name (sapiens) represents the species in food.

The Bacillus cereus group comprises eight species. One of these, Bacillus thuringiensis, is used as a biopesticide for insect control.

These naturally occurring, soil-borne bacteria can cause food-borne illnesses which usually result in vomiting and diarrhoea. 

EFSA experts say that the only way to identify strains of Bacillus cereus group unambiguously is to determine their complete genome The entire amount of genetic material found in the cells of living organisms sequence. They recommend the use of whole genome sequencing Visualisation of the entire genetic makeup of a particular organism techniques to collect relevant information as a pre-requisite for further risk assessment A specialised field of applied science that involves reviewing scientific data and studies in order to evaluate risks associated with certain hazards. It involves four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

The experts also recommend control options to manage risks caused by these bacteria. One of the most important options is to keep food refrigerated at a maximum temperature of 7C.

From 2007 to 2014, Member States reported 413 strong-evidence foodborne outbreaks associated with Bacillus cereus, which affected 6,657 people and caused 352 hospitalisations.

• Risks for public health related to the presence of Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus spp. including Bacillus thuringiensis in foodstuffs