Simmons Citrate Agar
Simmons Citrate Agar is used for the differentiation of gram-negative bacteria on the basis of citrate utilization.
- Category
- Dehydrated Culture Media
- Dissolve per litre
- 24.28 g
- Pack sizes
- 500 g · 5 kg · 25 kg
- Certifications
- Halal
- Standard methods
- FDA BAM
Data updated：2026-11-07
Brand cross-reference：BD Difco Simmons Citrate Agar · Oxoid Simmons Citrate Agar · Merck Simmons Citrate Agar（FDA BAM） Brand cross-reference
Overview
Simmons Citrate Agar is the slant medium for the citrate utilisation test: sodium citrate is the only carbon source and ammonium phosphate the only nitrogen source, so strains able to use citrate raise the pH and turn bromothymol blue from green to blue. It is the C of the IMViC series: E. coli negative, Klebsiella and Enterobacter positive, most Salmonella positive. Specified by the Taiwan FDA Salmonella method, while the E. coli method uses Koser's citrate broth. Inoculate lightly with a straight wire; a heavy inoculum carries over other carbon sources and gives false positives.
What biochemical identification media are for
Biochemical identification media reveal whether a strain can use a particular substrate, read through colour change, gas production, or a zone of clearing. They remain the basis of conventional identification and confirmatory quality control. Each medium covers one characteristic, so several are normally read together alongside known positive and negative control strains.
Product highlights
- Halal certified, suitable for the Malaysian, Indonesian, and Middle Eastern markets
- Manufactured to the standard formulation, 24.28 g per litre
- Available in 500 g / 5 kg / 25 kg, from laboratory to industrial scale
- COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet available; samples on request
- Manufactured in Taiwan with reliable supply
FDA BAM methods
This product corresponds to a medium used in the chapters of the US FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), the reference methods for FDA regulatory testing. Follow the current online edition of each chapter.
- FDA BAM Chapter 5: SalmonellaBAM Chapter 5Confirmation / biochemicalNamed in the method as：Simmons citrate agar
BAM specifies methods and media formulations; it does not certify brands. Add supplements as the chapter requires, and verify media against reference strains under your quality system.
Frequently asked questions
01Does this medium meet FDA BAM methods?
BAM specifies methods and formulations, not brands. This product corresponds to a medium used in: FDA BAM Chapter 5: Salmonella（BAM Chapter 5）: Confirmation / biochemical. It is manufactured to the standard formulation and ships with a COA per batch; add supplements as the chapter requires and follow the current online edition.
02How much powder per litre?
Use 24.28 g per litre of deionised water; preparation and sterilisation conditions are given on the specification sheet.
03What are the equivalent brand products and standard methods?
Cross-reference: BD Difco Simmons Citrate Agar, Oxoid Simmons Citrate Agar, Merck Simmons Citrate Agar. Standard methods: FDA BAM. Formulations may differ slightly between makers; refer to the specification sheet.
04How do I request a bulk quotation, and can you provide a COA?
Yes. This product is available in 500 g, 5 kg, 25 kg. Tell us your application and volume when requesting a quotation; we reply within one working day and can supply the COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet.
Further reading
- FDA BAM Culture Media Cross-Reference: Which Media Each BAM Chapter Uses and the STBIO EquivalentAerobic plate count, coliforms and E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio, Clostridium perfringens, yeasts and moulds and Cronobacter: the media named in each FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual chapter, matched to Taiwan-made dehydrated media for US laboratories qualifying a second source.
- Which Culture Media Do Taiwan FDA Food Microbiology Methods Specify? Cross-Reference for 21 Announced MethodsAerobic plate count, coliforms, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfringens and Cronobacter: the media named in each Taiwan FDA (TFDA) announced method, matched to Taiwan-made products.