Measuring cronobacter in infant formula powder

A new molecular detection method for cronobacter – a pathogen often found in powdered infant formula that can cause fatal infections – has been introduced by 3M Food Safety. It is claimed to save two-to-four days during the testing process.

The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 joins four other assays, for salmonella, E.coli O157, listeria and Listeria monocytogenes, available from the company.

Cronobacter species, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, is a group of bacteria that is naturally found in the environment and has been associated with contaminated powdered infant formula. It has been shown to persist for up to two years in powdered infant formula.

“This isothermal molecular assay overcomes the limitations of conventional agar and polymerase chain reaction-based methods with improved accuracy, reduced time to results, and a streamlined workflow that provides increased productivity and unparalleled ease-of-use,” says John David, 3M’s scientific marketing manager.

Contact 3M Food Safety for more information.