Methyl red solution is an azo dye which turns to red when pH is below 4.4 (yellow pH < 6.2, orange pH 4.4-6.2). Some bacteria utilize glucose to form large amounts of acid with the result that the pH value of the medium falls distinct. Other species produce no or less free acid. This difference can be visualized by using methyl red. This test is used to differentiate enteric bacteria.

Methyl red solution is a pH indicator dye recommended for detection of bacteria producing acid from glucose fermentation such as Enterobacteriaceae in various samples.