Incidence, diversity and toxin gene characteristics of Bacillus cereus group strains isolated from food products marketed in Belgium

► Bacillus cereus group spp. were detected in 56.3% of food samples. ► The highest incidence (100%) was observed in raw basmati rice samples. ► Only 2.6% of the isolates collected were determined to be psychrotolerant. ► None of 100 selected isolates carried the ces gene required for cereulide production.