Which food is a typical vehicle for the Bacillus cereus diarrheal toxin?

• A. Reheated rice
• B. Fresh fruit
• C. Boiled water
• D. Raw fish

Answer: (D)

Bacillus cereus diarrheal illness comes from enterotoxins produced in the intestine after consuming contaminated food. Foods that commonly harbor B. cereus and support toxin production include protein-rich items, especially seafood, meats, and dairy. Raw fish fits as a typical vehicle because it can carry the organism and contribute to toxin production in the gut after ingestion. In contrast, the emetic form is linked to pre-formed toxin in starchy foods like rice, particularly when it’s left at room temperature and reheated. Fresh fruit and boiled water are less likely vehicles for the diarrheal toxin.