Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming, Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium associated with food poisoning in humans. Food poisoning is a result of ingesting heat-stable toxins produced by the bacteria: either a toxin that causes vomiting or one that causes diarrhea. B. cereus is widespread in the soil and in the food industry in such foods as rice, herbs, spices, milk and vegetables. The disease is transmitted from contaminated foods, improper food handling/storage, and improper cooling of cooked foods. Read more: Bacillus cereus Source: Extension