EUROPE/CHINA – A recent study has developed a comprehensive framework to identify and prioritize microbiological risks in infant food products, with Salmonella, Cronobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) emerging as the most critical hazards.
This framework is now accessible via a web-based tool known as the Microbiological Hazards Risk Ranking Decision Support System (MIRA DSS).
Structured risk assessment
The study defined eight steps and seven criteria to systematically rank microbial risks in infant foods. This methodical approach considered the prevalence of microbial pathogens across different infant food products, their conditions for growth, and potential contamination points during food production and storage.
Additionally, the researchers factored in the severity of illness caused by each pathogen and the heightened vulnerability of infants to infections.
Semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis
The risk-ranking methodology utilized in the study employed both semi-quantitative and quantitative scores, contributing to the final microbial risk assessment through three aggregation methods: semi-quantitative risk scoring, semi-quantitative risk value, and outranking multi-criteria decision analysis.
To validate these criteria and the overall ranking approach, a case study on infant formula was conducted. The results of the three risk-ranking methods were compared and evaluated against expert opinions to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Implications for public health and regulation
The development of this risk-ranking system marks a significant advancement in safeguarding infant health.
By prioritizing microbiological hazards based on their potential impact, the framework can help identify which pathogens require stringent monitoring and control in the production of infant foods.
The study’s findings could influence regulations on acceptable pathogen levels in infant foods and lead to the implementation of more rigorous testing protocols.
The research was conducted under the Safe Food for Infants in the EU and China (SAFFI) initiative and was funded by a grant from the EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program.
The SAFFI project, under which this study was conducted, is part of a larger EU-China collaboration focused on improving food safety. This partnership includes research on other aspects of food safety, such as chemical contaminants and allergen management in food products.
Infant food safety incidents
Infant food safety has been a major concern globally, especially following several high-profile contamination incidents. For instance, the 2008 Chinese milk scandal, where infant formula was found to be contaminated with melamine, highlighted the dire consequences of food safety failures.
This incident led to widespread illness and several infant deaths, prompting stricter regulations and increased focus on the safety of infant food products worldwide.
In February 2022, Abbott Nutrition issued a large-scale recall of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas following reports of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections linked to their products. The contamination was traced to the company’s manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation, and the recall led to significant concerns and shortages of infant formula across the U.S. Several infants were hospitalized, and at least two deaths were reported as a result of these infections.
In December 2017, the French dairy giant Lactalis recalled millions of cans of infant formula in over 80 countries after Salmonella Agona was detected in its products. The contamination originated from a production site in Craon, France.
The outbreak affected dozens of infants, with reported cases of salmonellosis in France and other countries. This incident led to a global response and heightened scrutiny of food safety practices in the dairy industry.
In March 2023, Danish dairy cooperative Arla Foods recalled specific batches of its baby formula products after testing revealed contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.
While no illnesses were reported at the time of the recall, the potential risks associated with this pathogen, particularly in vulnerable infant populations, led to precautionary measures. The recall affected several European markets where the products were sold.
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