Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria and potential risks

Bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii

Cronobacter sakazakii are gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, non-spore forming bacteria. Formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, this bacterium is believed to have been first documented in a 1961 report that described the separation of the unique yellow-colored organism from infants who died from meningitis.

Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria can be detected in the natural environment, they can survive for a long time in foods with low moisture content. In fact, the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii has been isolated from infant formula, reconstituted baby milk and utensils used to prepare infant formula, so this bacteria is especially dangerous for babies.

Cronobacter sakazakii was also detected in powdered milk, herbal teas and starches, as well as powdered proteins and dietary supplements. This bacterium has been isolated from food processing facilities and is sometimes detected by healthcare workers in places such as sewage.

Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria can cause wound infections or urinary tract infections at any age. In immunocompromised adults and the elderly, this bacteria can lead to sepsis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infection each year, but in infants, the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii can cause dangerous blood infections or infections of the surrounding lining. brain and spine (meningitis) and can be fatal. This infection in infants two months of age and younger is most likely to cause meningitis. The first symptom of Cronobacter sakazakii infection in infants is usually fever associated with loss of appetite, crying, or fatigue.

Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria detected in powdered milk

Disease threats and safety measures

According to statistics of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year 2-4 children die from Cronobacter sakazakii infection, but this number does not represent the reality for Cronobacter contamination. sakazakii. There have been recent cases and outbreaks of this bacterial infection associated with infant formula in the United States, France, and Mexico.

Since the beginning of 2023, 2 suspected cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infection have been recorded in Canada and Ireland. Currently, the Food Inspection agencies of these two countries have recalled the related product batches and investigated the cause.

Infant formula is not a pasteurized product and its nutrients facilitate the maintenance and growth of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria after reconstitution. In fact, it has been recorded that this bacteria lives in infant formula for up to two years.

And this bacteria can survive:

Indoors: you can accidentally get Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered formula after opening the container. Cronobacter sakazakii can live on surfaces in your home, such as kitchen counters or sinks, and in water. Cronobacter sakazakii can get into powdered formula: if you place the cap or spoon of formula on a contaminated surface and then touch the formula, or if you mix the formula with contaminated water or in a contaminated bottle.
In the processing: Because pathogenic microorganisms cannot survive the pasteurization step used in the production of milk powder, it has been suggested that Cronobacter sakazakii contamination mainly occurs after the spray drying step of the process. production process. Experts believe that the cause is due to the contamination of the environment after drying or the addition of heat-sensitive ingredients after pasteurization.

As a mother, and as a smart consumer, you should:

Breastfeed exclusively with breast milk for the first 24 months. Because there are no recorded cases of children infected with Cronobacter sakazakii from breast milk.
Keep the lid and spoon of the powdered formula clean, and close the lid of the powdered milk or bottled water as quickly as possible. All baby bottles and other feeding equipment should be cleaned, sanitized and stored safely.
Baby formula should be used within two hours of preparation, unless refrigerated, and refrigerated milk should be used within 24 hours. The leftover formula should be poured out after feeding the baby. Milk water is boiled before mixing, or milk after brewing is pasteurized at 700
Keep hands and surfaces clean: always wash your hands, sanitize utensils before touching your baby, and breastfeed for at least 20 seconds with hand sanitizer and 60% alcohol. According to evaluation, bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii can be killed at 60% alcohol.

Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang's testing capacity

Currently, in Vietnam, PFAS is not regulated and not controlled. But to meet regulations in major markets as well as to prepare for the future, Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang has successfully deployed a method to analyze 22 PFAS substances by LC/MS/MS with an extremely low detection threshold of 0.3 µg/kg with 24h fast TAT response.

Eurofins services with modern equipment and techniques: Real-time PCR, ICP-MS, GC-MS/MS, ELISA, etc. We also provide consulting for food safety tailored services to each customer's needs, assess risks posed by microorganisms, identify and monitor pathogens in the production environment, determine shelf life, troubleshooting and training sessions, guidance and experience sharing on food safety.

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