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Published on: February 17, 2023
[Enterobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula]
1Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, BRD. m.friedemann@bfr.bund.de
Insights
Opportunistic bacteria like Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) can contaminate powdered infant formula (PIF), posing severe infection risks to neonates. Implementing strict hygiene measures by manufacturers and consumers is crucial for infant safety.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Neonatal Health
Context:
- Powdered infant formula (PIF) can harbor opportunistic bacteria under poor hygienic conditions.
- Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) is a significant public health concern, causing severe neonatal infections like meningitis and bacteremia.
- Neonates, especially those under two months, are most vulnerable to these infections.
Purpose:
- To highlight the public health risks associated with Cronobacter spp. in PIF.
- To discuss the bacterium's resilience and survival in PIF.
- To outline recommended strategies for risk mitigation by stakeholders.
Summary:
- Cronobacter spp. can proliferate in PIF due to inadequate hygiene, leading to potentially fatal infections in neonates.
- The bacteria exhibit resistance to osmotic and dry conditions, enabling survival in PIF for extended periods (over two years).
- International health organizations have issued guidelines, emphasizing improved manufacturing technologies, microbiological surveillance, and consumer hygiene practices.
Impact:
- Minimizing Cronobacter contamination in PIF is essential for preventing severe neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Enhanced hygiene protocols throughout the PIF supply chain are critical.
- Adherence to updated guidelines by manufacturers and consumers can significantly reduce infection risks.
Abstract:
Under inadequate hygienic conditions, opportunistic bacteria may multiply in powdered infant formula (PIF) and cause severe, often fatal neonatal infections. Enterobacter sakazakii has obtained Public Health relevance causing neonatal meningitis (often fatal), bacteremia and necrotizing enterocolitis. At highest risk are neonates up to two months of age. The new genus designation Cronobacter spp. nov. has been proposed to replace Enterobacter sakazakii. Enterobacter sakazakii is relatively resistant to osmotic and dry stress and may survive in PIF more than 2 years. (Inter)national organisations (EFSA, FAO, WHO, ESPGHAN, DGKJ, OGKJ, ISO) published their opinions recently. Manufacturers can minimize the risk of contamination of PIF by continuously improving technologies and by microbiological surveillance. Institutional and private consumers may reduce the risk of infection by using appropriate hygienic procedures.
