Abstract: As a ubiquitous soil microorganism, Bacillus cereus has become one of the important food-borne pathogens in the industrial societies. This bacterium can produce one emetic toxin and several enterotoxins to cause two distinct types of foodborne illnesses: emetic syndrome and diarrheal illness. Importantly, an entomopathogenic bacterium B.thuringiensis can also produce some enterotoxins similar to B.cereus. I it was recently found to be probably involved in food poisoning. It is necessary to strengthen the research and supervision of B.cereus. for guaranteeing food safety.

Key words: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, food safety, food poisoning, toxins