Characterization of Infant Formulae Marketed in Italy and Virulence Potential of <i>Bacillus cereus</i> Isolates.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of powdered formulae intended for infant consumption on the Italian market. A total of 83 samples, including 23 infant formulae (PIF), 42 follow-on formulae (FOF), and 18 formulae for special medical purposes (SMPs), were taken between 2023 and 2024. Low total viable counts were highlighted with all SMP samples, 87.0% of PIF samples and 97.6% of FOF samples being compliant with the threshold set by the Code of Hygienic Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and Young Children (2.70 Log CFU/g). High contamination levels (>4 Log CFU/g) were found exclusively in PIF (8.7%) and FOF samples (2.4%). Considering potential pathogenic bacteria, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Sa

SUBMITTER: Fusi V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12897385 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature