Novel insights into the integrated and extensive approach for microbiological quality and safety of powdered infant formula

This review categorizes findings from recent studies regarding powdered infant formulas (PIFs) to expand the range of microbial risk management. Evidence for underrecognized behaviors of bacterial contaminants (risky metabolism, communication among pathogens, and transfer of antibiotic resistance) and dominance of psychrotrophs or thermophiles unculturable by conventional inspection methods (total bacterial count) highlight unexplored roles of PIF microflora. Novel contamination routes and control points to inhibit bacterial activities during manufacturing and feeding stages could be revealed by prevalence analysis followed by risk assessment. Advances in pathogen detection and decontamination technologies have suggested effective and easy-to-implement methods for proactive risk management. Assessment for the interaction of infant gut microbiota with bacteria in PIFs should also be the background for establishing risk management strategies.