The investigation of microbiological quality in baby and small child formulas and foods

Aim: In this thesis study, 135 baby foods of baby formulas, continued formulas, cereal based foods, fruit purees, vegetable purees, menus and blends, rice pudding and custards, snacks and drinks were investigated to determine the presence of some pathogenic bacteria and their hygienic qualities. Material and Method: In all samples, the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Escherichia coli, Cronobacter sakazakii, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, total mesophilic aerobe bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, mold-yeast and sulfide reducing anaerobic bacteria were examined by classical cultural methods. The isolated bacteria were identified by Vitek 2 compact bacterial identification system and their resistance to antibiotics by using disk diffusion method was investigated. Results: As a result of this thesis study, Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, E. coli, C. sakazakii and SAB was not found in any sample. In the samples examined, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, B. cereus, S. aureus, mold and yeast contamination levels were found to be 42,96%, 0,74%, 2,22%, 0,74%, 23,70% and 2,96%, respectively. The presence of Pantoea spp. (2.96 %), Klebsiella pneumonia (5,19%), Enterobacter cloacae (0,74%), Serratia plymuthica (0,74%), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (0,74%), Bacillus pumilus (0,74%), Staphylococcus hominis (2,96%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (2,96%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (2,96%) and Enterococcus faecium (0,74%) was also found in analyzed samples. Pantoea spp., K. pneumonia, E. cloacae, S. paucimobilis, B. cereus, S. hominis and S. epidermidis isolates showed resistance to three or more antibiotics. Conclusion: The determination of multiple antibiotic resistance in some isolates with the presence of pathogen and opportunist/potential pathogenic bacteria was found to be important in terms of public health. Since baby and child follow-on milk and supplementary foods can be consumed by people without fully developed immunity or with suppressed immunity, it is necessary to ensure production hygiene and appropriate storage conditions. Keywords: follow-on milk, supplementary food, pathogen, microbiological quality, antibacterial resistance