Evaluation of Hektoen Enteric Agar for the Detection of Salmonella in Foods and Feeds

Abstract

Over the past 2 years in our laboratory, Hektoen enteric (HE) agar was evaluated as a medium for the detection of salmonellae in foods and feeds. HE agar was used in conjunction with brilliant green, bismuth sulfite, and Salmonella-Shigella agars, according to AOAC methods. More than 2000 samples representing over 40 different products were tested and the cultural results on all media were compared. HE agar was more efficient than the other media for recovery of salmonellae in contaminated samples and showed a lower number of false positives. HE agar is a highly selective medium for Salmonella species and we recommend that it be evaluated for incorporation into the AOAC methods.