Abstract
Aims: The objectives of this study were to investigate the microbiological safety of various foods intended for consumption by infants and babies. Methods and Results: The incidence of Cronobacter spp. and Enterobacteriaceae from powdered infant formula (PIF, n=75) and baby soy milk (n=10) was examined. Additionally, aerobic plate count, coliforms and the prevalence of foodborne pathogens were investigated in 230 samples from a variety of infant and baby foods, including cereal-based follow-up formulas (FUF), liquid FUF and other infant foods. High APCs were observed in nutrient supplements and cereal-based FUF. Coliforms were found in 6 (2·6%) products, and Cronobacter spp. was isolated in 10 (4·4%) samples, including four PIF and six cereal-based FUF. Bacillus cereus was detected in 48 (20·9%) samples: cereal-based FUF items (23·0%), rice soups (20·6%), honey samples (40·0%), biscuits (40·0%) and liquid FUF (7·4%). Conclusions: New safety criteria, along with hygienic control measures and consumer education strategies, are essential to improve the microbiological safety of infant or baby foods. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides comprehensive information about the prevalence and level of contamination of infant and baby food products by Cronobacter spp. and other major foodborne pathogens.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 532-538 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Letters in Applied Microbiology |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 2011 |
Keywords
- Bacillus cereus
- Cronobacter spp.
- Foodborne pathogens
- Infant foods
- Microbial contamination