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# Basics about Bacillus cereus
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/bacillus_cereus_0501110918/
- Published: 2011-05-01T09:18:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:14:44.000Z
- Description: Bacillus cereus produces toxins behind two illnesses: a diarrheal form from contaminated meats, milk, vegetables and fish that starts in 6 to 15 hours, and a vomiting form from rice, potatoes, pasta and cheese dishes starting in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Both run about 24 hours.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Biological, Food Safety, #vivvo-import

*Bacillus cereus* or *B. cereus* is a type of bacteria that produces toxins. These toxins can cause two types of illness: one type characterized by diarrhea and the other, called emetic, by nausea and vomiting.

| **Sources**             | **Diarrheal:** Contaminated meats, milk, vegetables, and fish **Emetic (vomiting):** Rice, potatoes, pasta, and cheese products, as well as food mixtures (sauces, puddings, soups, casseroles, pastries, and salads |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Incubation Period**   | **Diarrheal:** 6-15 hours **Emetic (vomiting):** 30 minutes to 6 hours                                                                                                                                               |
| **Symptoms**            | **Diarrheal:** Watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps **Emetic (vomiting):** Nausea and vomiting                                                                                                                       |
| **Duration of Illness** | 24 hours                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| **What Do I Do?**       | Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, call your doctor.                                                                                                     |

### *General Information*

[*Bacillus cereus* and Other *Bacillus*](http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/ucm070492.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) (FDA)  
From the [Bad Bug Book](http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/default.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org); provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.

### *Recent Recall*

[Unilever Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Slim-Fast Ready-to-Drink Products in Cans Due to Possible Health Risk](http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm192978.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) (FDA)

**Consumer Safety Alert on Slim-Fast in Cans**  
[Listen to the podcast](http://foodsafety.gov/keep/recalls/slimfast.mp3?ref=foodconsumer.org) or [read the script](http://foodsafety.gov/keep/recalls/slimfast.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)