Selenite cystine broth is a medium used for the selective enrichment of Salmonella spp. from food, dairy products, water and other materials of health importance and for sludge characterization. It can also be used in animal health for the detection of Salmonella Gallinarum in particular or in the field of water. Tryptone provides amino acids, nitrogen, carbon, vitamins and minerals for the growth of organisms. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium phosphate is the buffering agent. Sodium selenite inhibits Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria other than salmonella. L-Cystine is a reducing agent incorporated to improve the recovery capacity of the medium. The effect of cystine may be due to its reducing capabilities which will decrease the toxicity of selenite to microorganisms and/or the additional organic sulfur provided may have a saving effect on critical sulfur components of the bacteria, again reducing the selective effect of selenite.