Lactose Broth is used for the cultivation of Salmonella and coliform bacteria from food, dairy, and water products in a laboratory setting. Lactose Broth is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans. Lactose Broth is frequently used as a pre-enrichment medium when testing foods and dairy products for Salmonella spp. In dried or processed foods, Salmonella species may be sub-lethally injured and in low numbers. The presence of other bacteria as well as components of the food sample may hinder growth and recovery of Salmonella. Pre-enrichment in a non-selective medium such as Lactose Broth allows for repair of cell damage, dilutes toxic or inhibitory substances, and provides a nutritional advantage to Salmonella over other bacteria. Lactose Broth is widely used and is included in many procedures for testing foods, dairy products and other materials. Lactose Broth is also used for the detection of coliform organisms in water, dairy products, and other materials.
