CRITERION™ MacConkey Broth by Hardy Diagnostics is formulated for the cultivation of Gram-negative, lactose-fermenting bacilli and is widely used as a presumptive test for coliform organisms in water, food, and environmental monitoring applications. This medium supports the growth and differentiation of coliforms through lactose fermentation, enabling early detection in regulatory testing workflows.

MacConkey Broth is also commonly utilized for the pre-enrichment of Escherichia coli O157 prior to toxin testing, providing a supportive environment that enhances recovery of potentially stressed or low-level organisms.

As with all CRITERION™ media, this dehydrated blend ensures high solubility, consistent pH performance, and reliable microbial recovery, making it a trusted choice for environmental labs, food testing facilities, and public health programs.

Key Features:

Supports growth of Gram-negative, lactose-fermenting bacilli

Widely used for presumptive coliform detection in water and food

Suitable for pre-enrichment of E. coli O157 for downstream toxin assays

High-solubility formulation ensures fast preparation and uniform medium quality

500g wide-mouth bottle for easy measuring and reduced dust formation

Rigorously quality-controlled for reproducible, dependable microbial performance

Ideal for laboratories performing EPA, FDA, ISO, and AOAC–aligned coliform workflows.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Hardy Diagnostics
Brand: CRITERION™
Product Type: Dehydrated Culture Media
Medium Name: MacConkey Broth
Application: Cultivation of Gram-negative lactose-fermenting bacilli; presumptive test for coliforms; pre-enrichment of E. coli O157 for toxin testing
Format: Dehydrated powder
Fill Volume: 500gm
Pack Size: Each
Industry Use: Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries; Cannabis QA Testing; Clinical; Cosmetics; Environmental; Food Safety; Compounding Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Container Type: 500gm wide-mouth bottle
Container Features: Easy grip, stackable design, wide opening to minimize dust formation
Differentiation: Lactose fermentation indicates presumptive coliform growth
Selectivity: Encourages Gram-negative growth while suppressing Gram-positive organisms
Solubility: High solubility for rapid, uniform media preparation
Quality: Tested for optimal growth and performance; complete technical sheets available
Additional Options: Also offered in 2kg and 10kg bucket sizes and 2L Mylar pouch