Category Archives: Cronobacter sakazakii

Research – Antibacterial action of slightly acidic electrolytic water against Cronobacter sakazakii and its application as a disinfectant on high-risk contact surfaces

Posted on February 10, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Frontiers In.org

Powdered infant formula (PIF) is prone to Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) contamination, which can result in infections that endanger the lives of newborns and infants. Slightly acidic electrolytic water (SAEW) has shown antibacterial effects on a variety of foodborne pathogens and has a wide applicability in the food industry. Here, the antibacterial activity of SAEW against C. sakazakii and its use as a disinfectant on contact surfaces with high infection transmission risk were investigated. The inactivation of SAEW on C. sakazakii was positively correlated to the SAEW concentration and treatment time. The antibacterial effect of SAEW was achieved by decreasing the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), K+, protein, and DNA contents of C. sakazakii, reducing the intracellular pH (pHin) and destroying the cell morphology, which led to inactivation of C. sakazakii ultimately. To test the applicability of this study, the results showed that approximately 103 CFU/cm2 of C. sakazakii were successfully inactivated on stainless steel and rubber surfaces after a 30 mg/L SAEW treatment for 20 s. These results indicate the antibacterial mechanism and potential application of SAEW against C. sakazakii, as well as a new strategy for the prevention and control of C. sakazakii on stainless steel and rubber surfaces.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Microbiology Research, Food Technology, Research, Technology

Research – Cronobacter sakazakii

Posted on February 8, 2024 by | Leave a comment

ACSA

Cronobacter sakazakii  is a   gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, facultative anaerobic, bacillary-shaped, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive bacterium . Due to its ability to form biofilms and its resistance to desiccation, it can be found widely in soil, water, plants and animals, being able to grow in a wide range of temperatures (6°C-47°C).

Cronobacter sakazakii  infection  is uncommon worldwide, but presents a high proportion of cases with neurological complications and death. The infection causes diarrheal enteritis, which often turns bloody and, in some cases, can be complicated by meningitis that leaves neurological sequelae or ends in the death of the infected baby.

The organism has been isolated from various foods of vegetable or animal origin, both dehydrated, smoked, frozen, etc. C. sakazakii  is an occasional contaminant of different foods such as cereals, porridges, dehydrated for special diets, foods for medical uses, and powdered infant formulas, being able to persist in these foods for at least 2 years due to their ability to withstand environments dry It is also necessary to consider powder preparations intended for elderly people and those intended for special medical uses given the special vulnerability of this population group.

Powder formulas

Powdered formulas are not sterile and, although they are heat treated during manufacture and conform to established microbiological criteria, they may occasionally contain low concentrations of microorganisms, including pathogens such as Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica.

During manufacturing, microorganisms can be introduced into the powder preparations through the ingredients added in the dry mixing operations or from the environment during the drying or packaging stage. Also, powdered formulas can be contaminated by improper preparation at home.

These microorganisms are not able to multiply in dry powder preparations, but they can survive there for long periods of time, even longer than a year. Instead, the reconstituted preparation offers an ideal environment for them to proliferate.

The large-scale production and distribution of these products and the low number of infections in nursing infants indicate that the products are generally safe.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Microbiology Research, Research

Research -EFSA – Persistence of microbiological hazards in food and feed production and processing environments

Posted on January 31, 2024 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

Listeria monocytogenes (in the meat, fish and seafood, dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors), Salmonella enterica (in the feed, meat, egg and low moisture food sectors) and Cronobacter sakazakii (in the low moisture food sector) were identified as the bacterial food safety hazards most relevant to public health that are associated with persistence in the food and feed processing environment (FFPE). There is a wide range of subtypes of these hazards involved in persistence in the FFPE. While some specific subtypes are more commonly reported as persistent, it is currently not possible to identify universal markers (i.e. genetic determinants) for this trait. Common risk factors for persistence in the FFPE are inadequate zoning and hygiene barriers; lack of hygienic design of equipment and machines; and inadequate cleaning and disinfection. A well‐designed environmental sampling and testing programme is the most effective strategy to identify contamination sources and detect potentially persistent hazards. The establishment of hygienic barriers and measures within the food safety management system, during implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points, is key to prevent and/or control bacterial persistence in the FFPE. Once persistence is suspected in a plant, a ‘seek‐and‐destroy’ approach is frequently recommended, including intensified monitoring, the introduction of control measures and the continuation of the intensified monitoring. Successful actions triggered by persistence of L. monocytogenes are described, as well as interventions with direct bactericidal activity. These interventions could be efficient if properly validated, correctly applied and verified under industrial conditions. Perspectives are provided for performing a risk assessment for relevant combinations of hazard and food sector to assess the relative public health risk that can be associated with persistence, based on bottom‐up and top‐down approaches. Knowledge gaps related to bacterial food safety hazards associated with persistence in the FFPE and priorities for future research are provided.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, EFSA, Food Microbiology Research, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research, Salmonella

EFSA Research -Persistence of microbiological hazards in food and feed production and processing environments

Posted on January 19, 2024 by | Leave a comment

EFSA

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (in the meat, fish and seafood, dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors), Salmonella enterica (in the feed, meat, egg and low moisture food sectors) and Cronobacter sakazakii (in the low moisture food sector) were identified as the bacterial food safety hazards most relevant to public health that are associated with persistence in the food and feed processing environment (FFPE). There is a wide range of subtypes of these hazards involved in persistence in the FFPE. While some specific subtypes are more commonly reported as persistent, it is currently not possible to identify universal markers (i.e. genetic determinants) for this trait. Common risk factors for persistence in the FFPE are inadequate zoning and hygiene barriers; lack of hygienic design of equipment and machines; and inadequate cleaning and disinfection. A well-designed environmental sampling and testing programme is the most effective strategy to identify contamination sources and detect potentially persistent hazards. The establishment of hygienic barriers and measures within the food safety management system, during implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points, is key to prevent and/or control bacterial persistence in the FFPE. Once persistence is suspected in a plant, a ‘seek-and-destroy’ approach is frequently recommended, including intensified monitoring, the introduction of control measures and the continuation of the intensified monitoring. Successful actions triggered by persistence of L. monocytogenes are described, as well as interventions with direct bactericidal activity. These interventions could be efficient if properly validated, correctly applied and verified under industrial conditions. Perspectives are provided for performing a risk assessment for relevant combinations of hazard and food sector to assess the relative public health risk that can be associated with persistence, based on bottom-up and top-down approaches. Knowledge gaps related to bacterial food safety hazards associated with persistence in the FFPE and priorities for future research are provided.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, Food Microbiology Research, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, food safety training, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research

Peru – Recall Infant Milk Formula – Cronobacter

Posted on January 12, 2024 by | Leave a comment

DIGESA

VOLUNTARY AND PREVENTIVE WITHDRAWAL OF THE FOOD: “NON-DAIRY PREPARATION ADAPTED FOR NURSING BOYS AND GIRLS, WITH DAIRY PROTEIN EXTENSIVELY HYDROLYZED AND PROBIOTIC LGG*®, LACTOSE FREE – NON-DAIRY FORMULA ADAPTED FOR NURSING BOYS AND GIRLS, WITH EXTENSIVELY HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN AND PROBIOTIC LGG*®, LACTOSE FREE – “NUTRAMIGEN PREMIUM” (357 g), IMPORTED BY THE COMPANY RB HEALTH PERÚ S.R.L

The General Directorate of Environmental Health and Food Safety – DIGESA of the Ministry of Health, informs the general public who became aware through the company RB HEALTH PERÚ S.R.L., the withdrawal from the market voluntary of its trademark product “NUTRAMIGEN PREMIUM” imported and marketed at national, which is manufactured by the company Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN), from the United States.

This is because the aforementioned company announced that it was voluntarily withdrawing some batches from the US market. specific to a “NUTRAMIGEN” brand product, due to the possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii from a product tested outside the United States.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, DIGESA, food recall, product recall, Recall

RASFF Alert- Cronobacter – Infant Formula

Posted on January 12, 2024 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii in several batches of Nutramigen LGG infant formula from the USA in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Israel and the UK

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, RASFF

Spain – Alert for possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii in food for special medical use from the United States (Ref. ES2024/006)

Posted on January 8, 2024 by | Leave a comment

AESAN

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition has learned, through the Coordinated System for Rapid Information Exchange (SCIRI), of an alert notification sent by the health authorities of Catalonia regarding the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazaki , in the Nutramigen product. 1 PRO 400mg.

This information has been transferred to the contact point in Catalonia by the marketing company in Spain following the decision of the manufacturer, located in the United States, to voluntarily withdraw the product, as a precautionary measure, due to possible cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii . detected in a unit from another batch tested outside of Spain.

The ZL3F6J batch has been distributed in Spain since August 2023 and so far no incident has been reported with it. The operator has already contacted its customers to proceed with the withdrawal of the affected product.

The data of the product involved are:

  • Product name: Nutramigen 1 PRO 400mg.
  • Brand Name: Mead Johnson Nutrition.
  • Product appearance: metal packaging.
  • Lot number: The lot number is located on the bottom of the can: ZL3F6J.
  • Unit weight/vol: 400 mg.
  • Room temperature.

Available images are attached.

According to the information available, distribution has occurred in most of the national territory.

This information has been transferred to the competent authorities of the autonomous communities through the Coordinated System for Rapid Information Exchange (SCIRI) and to the Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES), in order to verify the withdrawal of the affected products from the marketing channels and the existence of possible cases is reported.

People who have products affected by this alert in their homes are recommended to refrain from consuming them.

If you have consumed the product from the affected batch and present any symptoms compatible with Cronobacter sakazakii toxiinfection (gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, irritability, jaundice, seizures), go to a health center.

You can expand the information from the AESAN on Cronobacter sakazakii toxiinfection at the following link.

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Posted in AESAN, Cronobacter sakazakii, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing

Ireland – Updated: Recall of Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 & 2 Hypoallergenic Infant Formula due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii

Posted on January 5, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSAI

Alert Summary
Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2024.01 (Update 1)
Product Identification: Please see table below.
Batch Code Please see table below.
Country Of Origin: USA

Message:

Further to the FSAI’s food alert 2024.01, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition are recalling the above batches of Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 & 2 as a precaution due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Product name Pack size Batch code
Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 400g ZL3F7D
Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 400g ZL3FAA and ZL3FDM

The FSAI has become aware that the majority of this product has been sold by pharmacies.

Nature Of Danger:

Cronobacter sakazakii infections are rare but they can be serious for babies younger than 2 months or babies born prematurely or immunocompromised.  Illness usually starts with a fever and poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy. In severe cases, it may lead to sepsis or meningitis.

Action Required:

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers, including pharmacies, are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Consumers:

Consumers are advised not to consume the implicated batch. If you have the batch numbers of the product listed above, you can return it to the pharmacy that dispensed it to you for a refund.
If you require further information, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition have opened a consumer relations line.
CARELINE FREE PHONE NUMBER
+44 (0)1895 230575
Or email
ConsumerNutrition_GB@rb.com

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing

RASFF Alert – Suspected Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in special medical purpose food manufactured in the USA

Posted on January 5, 2024 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Suspected Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in special medical purpose food manufactured in the USA in Spain

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UK -Reckitt recalls two infant formula powders because of the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii

Posted on January 4, 2024 by | Leave a comment

FSA

Reckitt has taken the precautionary step of recalling Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders because of the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Both products are foods used for special medical purposes for infants. The products are mainly prescribed but are also available without a prescription.

Product details

Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Formula
Pack size 400g
Batch code ZL3F7D
Best before 01 July 2025
Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula
Pack size 400g
Batch code ZL3FAA
Best before 01 July 2025
Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula
Pack size 400g
Batch code ZL3FDM
Best before 01 July 2025

Risk statement

The potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the products listed above.

Symptoms caused by Cronobacter sakazakii usually include fever and diarrhoea, and in severe cases may lead to sepsis or meningitis which include symptoms in infants including poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes) and abnormal breaths and movements.

Action taken by the company

Reckitt is recalling the above products and have contacted all stores and pharmacies that are supplying these products. The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tells them what to do if they have bought the products. Please see the attached notice.

Reckitt recalls two infant formula powders because of the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii (230.52 KB)

Our advice to consumers

If you have purchased or been prescribed any of the above product batches, do not feed it to your baby and return to the place of purchase. If you have additional questions, please contact Reckitt on 01895 230575. If you have any concerns about the health of your baby, please seek medical advice.

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Posted in Cronobacter sakazakii, cross contamination, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, fsa