The issue of Cronobacter in powdered infant formula has been elevated since the 2022 infant formula crisis, in which the nation faced a critical shortage of infant formula following a recall of product contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, resulting in the temporary shutdown of a major U.S. formula production plant. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses two recent scientific developments that could help address the risk posed by Cronobacter in powdered infant formula: an AI-powered analysis of genetic data for C. sakazakii, providing new insight into why it persists in low-moisture foods, and the development of a promising new assay. 

News Articles:

• Researchers Develop Cronobacter Assay for Infant Formula That is More Accurate, Faster Than PCR
• Genetics Could Explain Why Cronobacter Thrives in Powdered Infant Formula, AI-Driven Study Shows