Contamination, persistence and dissemination of Cronobacter during the production of powdered infant formula in China in 2016

A total of 620 samples collected from two factories in China producing powdered infant formula (PIF) between July and November 2016 were analyzed for Cronobacter. Antimicrobial susceptibility, pulsed-field gel electropho-resis (PFGE), biofilm formation Cronobacter carried out. The results showed that 2.26% positive among the 33 isolates identified. All susceptible to 12 antimicrobial agents tested except one isolate which intermediate resistance Chloramphenicol. PFGE analysis nine clusters comprising identified, C8, C4, C5 predominant types. capable forming biofilm, particularly, C. malonaticus a good biofilm-forming ability at both 28°C 37°C. illustrated it is necessary PIF manufactures develop control measures reducing contamination its associated foodborne illness infants.