Used as a selective and differential culture medium for the isolation and identification of Salmonella and Shigella species from clinical and non-clinical samples. It inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and normal intestinal flora using bile salts and other selective agents. The medium allows differentiation of lactose fermenters from non-fermenters based on colony color. Organisms like Salmonella typically appear as colorless colonies, while lactose-fermenting bacteria such as E. coli form pink colonies. Commonly used in food safety testing, water quality analysis, and clinical diagnostics to detect enteric pathogens.