For rapidly identifying 5 bifidobacterium species (\%B.longum,B.breve,B.adolescentis,B.infantis and B.bifidum\%) often used in functional food,we designed five species\|specific oligonucleotide sequences,which were based on the homology analysis of 16s rRNA genes.After being labeled with digoxigenin(DIG) at 3'\|end,the sequences were used as probes hybridizing with DNA from these 5 bifidobacteria.These probes showed the desired species specificity,except that the probe for \%B.infantis\% had weak cross\|reaction with \%B.breve\%.The result showed that these 16s rRNA gene probes were specific and effective tools for identifying and detecting Bifidobacteria in food. Author's address: Zhang Yifan,the Institute of Food Safety Control and Inspection,Ministry of the Health,100021 PRC.