E. sakazakii.

The presence of E. sakazakii on the surface of utensils and equipment used in preparing infant formula is a significant concern. The ability of the bacterium to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces raises the possibility that infections may occur following cross-contamination of freshly prepared infant formula upon contact with soiled surfaces in hospitals, day-care centers and food service kitchens. Bacteria embedded in biofilms have increased resistance to disinfectants.

Researchers undertook studies to determine the effectiveness of 13 disinfectants in killing E. sakazakii in suspension, dried on the surface of stainless steel and embedded in biofilms on stainless steel.

Quaternary ammonium-, phenolic-, peroxyacetic acid- and alcohol-based disinfectants used in infant formula preparation settings were evaluated.

The scientists determined the effects of time that elapsed after drying cells on stainless steel, as well as the age of biofilms on the resistance of cells to disinfectants. Their findings show that disinfectants routinely used in hospital, daycare and food service settings are ineffective in killing some cells of E.sakazakii embedded in organic matrices.

Contact: Michael Doyle, Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, Griffin Campus, Griffin, GA 30223. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail].