COOKED MEAT MEDIUM (R.C. MEDIUM) (as per BIS)

Description

Cooked Meat Medium was originally developed by Robertson 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. This medium with addition of further 10% Sodium chloride is used as a salt medium for isolation of Staphylococci. It is used for cultivation and maintenance of Clostridia and for determining proteolytic activity of anaerobes. FDA has recommended a slight modification of this medium for enumeration and identification of Clostridium perfringens from foods. 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.