Cooked Meat Medium (R.C. Medium), 5KG (C08-0449-519)

For cultivation of aerobes and anaerobes, especially pathogenic Clostridia and also for the maintenance of stock cultures as per IS:5887(Part II)-1976. Recommended for the detection and enumeration of bacteria responsible for food poisoning. It is used for cultivation and maintenance of Clostridia and for determining proteolytic activity of anaerobes. Cooked meat medium was originally developed by Robertson (1) for the cultivation of certain anaerobes isolated from wounds. The present formulation is recommended by BIS for the detection and enumeration of bacteria responsible for food poisoning especially Clostridium welchii (2). This medium with addition of further 10% Sodium chloride is used as a salt medium for isolation of Staphylococci (3). It is used for cultivation and maintenance of Clostridia and for determining proteolytic activity of anaerobes (4,5). FDA has recommended a slight modification of this medium for enumeration and identification of Clostridium perfringens from foods (6).Cooked meat medium contains beef heart, the muscle protein which provides amino acids and other nutrients. It also contains glutathione a reducing substance which permits the growth of obligate anaerobes. The sulphydryl groups which impart reducing effect are more available in denatured protein and hence the cooked meat is added in the medium. The growth in this medium is indicated by the turbidity or bubble formation by some organisms. Blackening and disintegration of the meat particles indicate proteolysis. For best results, medium should be used on the day it is prepared, otherwise it should be boiled or steamed for a few minutes and allowed to cool without agitation and then inoculated. Application: For Laboratory Chemicals, Analytical Purpose, Biochemical Analysis Appearance: Brown colored granules Color and Clarity of prepared medium: Medium amber colored, clear to slightly opalescent supernatant over insoluble granules Reaction: Reaction of 11.54% w/v aqueous suspension at 25°C. pH : 7.8±0.2