What type of bacteria is Bacillus cereus classified as?

Bacillus cereus is classified as a spore-forming bacteria. This is significant because spore-forming bacteria have the ability to produce spores that can withstand extreme environments, allowing them to survive cooking and other forms of food processing. This characteristic makes Bacillus cereus a concern in food safety, as it can lead to foodborne illnesses if food is not handled or stored properly.

The spore-forming capability means that even if the bacteria are killed during cooking, the spores can remain and potentially germinate in favorable conditions, leading to the production of toxins that cause illness. Understanding Bacillus cereus as a spore-forming bacterium aids food handlers in recognizing the importance of proper food storage and handling procedures to mitigate the risks associated with this type of bacteria.