Bifidobacteria Day
OtherWhat Is Bifidobacteria Day?
December 2nd is "Bifidobacteria Day" in Japan. The date marks December 2, 1899, when French pediatrician Henry Tissier announced his discovery of bifidobacteria to the Paris Biological Society. The day was established by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. and was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016.
A Microbe Found in Infant Stool More Than 120 Years Ago
Tissier identified the bacterium while examining the stool of breast-fed infants, and reported his findings to the society. The name "bifido" comes from the way the cells appear to split into two branches.
- Discoverer: Henry Tissier, a French pediatrician
- Announcement: December 2, 1899, at the Paris Biological Society
- Meaning of the name: the genus name Bifidobacterium derives from Latin for "cleft in two"
- Established by: Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. (certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016)
Often Lumped In with "Lactic Acid Bacteria"
Bifidobacteria are usually discussed alongside lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt aisle, but taxonomically they belong to a separate group, the genus Bifidobacterium. A key difference is that they produce acetic acid as well as lactic acid. Compare the strain names on the backs of yogurt packages and the distinction becomes visible.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Check which strain names are printed on the yogurt you usually buy
- Compare labels for products with bifidobacteria versus lactic acid bacteria
- Share the fact that the discovery dates back more than 120 years
- Take the chance to steady eating habits that tend to slip at year's end
One 1899 Report Still Shapes Today's Shelves
The products lined up so casually in the supermarket trace back to a single conference report in Paris in 1899. December 2nd is a day to think about everything built on top of it.