PE-2 HiVeg™ Medium

Principle and Interpretation

PE-2 HiVeg Medium is prepared by using HiVeg peptone which is free from BSE/TSE risks associated with animal based peptones. PE-2 HiVeg Medium is the modification of PE-2 Medium which is prepared as per the formulation described by Folinazzo and Troy (1) and recommended by APHA (2) for detection and cultivation of mesophilic anaerobic spore-formers in specimens from food processing plants. These organisms mainly include the genus Clostridium. Clostridial growth range covers the temperature of the normal storage of canned and other processed foods including refrigerated storage of cured meats and hence these anaerobes are important in the spoilage of low-acid foods packed in the hermetically sealed containers. HiVeg peptone and yeast extract provide nitrogenous compounds, vitamin B complex and trace ingredients etc. for the growth of Clostridia. Addition of untreated alaska seed peas creates anaerobic conditions in the medium. Prepared samples of heated sugar, dehydrated vegetables and spices are cultured by taking 20 ml portions of these heated substances and dividing equally among 6 tubes of freshly heated culture medium. Incubate the cultures at 30-35°C for 72 hours or up to 7 days if desired as some spores germinate slowly.