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.
© 2011 The Authors. Letters in Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.