In 2022, the US experienced an infant formula shortage that was partially caused by contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. This situation might lead you to wonder what food microbiologists are doing to prevent future contamination events and outbreaks. Looking at the recently published literature, it is clear that food microbiologists are investigating new approaches to detect C. sakazakii, such as unique flow assays (read more here and here), as well as new ways to inhibit growth of C. sakazakii in manufacturing plants, such as Amaranthus tricolor extract and bacteriophage that target C. sakazakii. Researchers are also investigating using combinations of approaches to inhibit C. sakazakii survival in formula. (We will talk more about the “multiple hurdles” approach to inhibit bacterial growth in foods later this semester.) It will be interesting to see whether any of these new research developments will stop future C. sakazakii outbreaks.
Image source: https://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/what-you-need-to-know-about-cronobacter-sakazakii-and-infant-formula/