Microbiological Examination of Infant Food and Feed Formula

Eighty four samples of infant food commercially available in Libya were studied for their microbiological status. The microbiological quality of these infant foods varied over the range 1.0 to 6.0 log10 CFU/g with the mean total viable count of ? 3.0 log10 CFU/g. Twenty four (19 samples) were unsatisfactory for infant consumption because they contained more than recommended limit. Bacterial isolates were identified by API system. The study was concluded with identification of Cronobacter sakazakii isolates by PCR techniques. The safety of these infant foods can be assured by a preventative approach based on the application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in the food and food related industry.