Microbiological risks of infant formulas

Abstract

The objective of this paper was discuss the main biological hazards found in infant formulas from literature reports, especially from outbreak records. This study has an exploratory nature through a bibliographical review where scientific search sites were used as data sources. Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica are among the main microorganisms that cause diseases associated with infant formulas ingestion; however, Clostridium botulinum, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus can also be responsible for infant formulas contaminations. Since infants have the immune and metabolic systems still in development, they represent a more vulnerable group to contaminants, making it essential to offer safe foods from processing in industry to administration in homes and hospital units.

Keywords:
Infant formulas; Food contamination; Outbreaks; Pathogen; Salmonella; Cronobacter sakazakii