Gram Positive Endospore Forming Rods
Some bacteria have the ability to form structures that are much like plant seeds. They are dormant during times when growth conditions are unfavorable. When growth is possible, they germinate and become bacteria again.
Bacillus
Bacillus is a very common bacteria in the environment. It is everywhere. It can cause foodborne illness in starchy foods, like cooked rice. It can produce extracellular enzymes to spoil food.
Clostridium
Clostridium botulinum causes a very serious foodborne illness known as botulism. It is a strict anaerobe (O2 is toxic to C. botulium). Some species can be used to make chemicals.
Gram Negative Endospore Forming Rods
Desulfatomaculum
Desulfatomaculum nigrificans spoils canned foods. These are non-motile thermophilic rods that are strict anaerobes. They produce H2S. This smells really bad!