HardyCHROM™ ECC is a chromogenic medium specifically designed for the detection, differentiation, and enumeration of Escherichia coli and other coliforms in food, water, and environmental samples. This medium simplifies and accelerates microbial identification through distinct colony color reactions, making it an ideal choice for routine testing in food safety, environmental monitoring, and cannabis QA applications.

Routine testing of food and water quality relies on the detection of indicator organisms rather than pathogens. Coliforms — Gram-negative, lactose-fermenting rods — are the principal indicators of unsanitary conditions. E. coli serves as a key fecal indicator organism, distinguishing contamination of human or animal origin from general environmental presence.

HardyCHROM™ ECC provides reliable color differentiation for rapid and accurate identification:

E. coli appears as pink to violet colonies

Other coliforms appear as turquoise colonies

Non-coliforms appear white or colorless

The medium includes selective agents that inhibit Gram-positive and non-coliform bacteria, ensuring cleaner, more accurate results. Plates are manufactured from optically clear, heavy-duty polystyrene for distortion-free viewing and are packaged in breathable bags to prevent moisture buildup. Because this medium is light-sensitive, it should be stored and incubated in the dark. Hardy Diagnostics offers reusable Blok-Boxes for light protection and storage convenience.

Features and Benefits:
• Chromogenic formula allows rapid visual differentiation of E. coli and other coliforms
• E. coli colonies appear pink to violet, other coliforms turquoise
• Non-coliform organisms appear white or colorless
• Selective agents suppress non-target bacterial growth
• Ideal for food, water, and cannabis QA testing applications
• Meets standard coliform enumeration requirements (EPA and ISO methods)
• Optically clear, durable plates for precise observation
• Breathable packaging prevents condensation and preserves media quality
• Light-sensitive – store and incubate in the dark; Blok-Boxes available for free upon request