Microbial contamination of food products consumed by infants and babies in Korea

作者：Kim S A; Oh S W; Lee Y M; Imm J Y; Hwang I G; Kang D H; Rhee M S^*

来源：Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2011, 53(5): 532-538.

DOI：10.1111/j.1472-765X.2011.03142.x

• Bacillus cereus
• Cronobacter spp.
• foodborne pathogens
• infant foods
• microbial contamination

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.

• 出版日期2011-11