Biochemically Characterization of Clinically Impactful Bacteria in Baby Food Items Along with their Drug Susceptibility Pattern

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Millions of babies worldwide are fed powdered formula and ready-to-eat baby food from birth during the first 2 years of life. The high nutritional content of such food items makes them an excellent growth medium for the growth of potential foodborne pathogens. METHODS: Considering the child health/public health matter, the present study attempted to evaluate the microbiological quality of commonly consumed baby food items along with their drug susceptibility pattern of the isolated bacteria through conventional and cultural methods as well as Kirby–Bauer methods, respectively. RESULTS: The investigation revealed that all samples were found to be contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria within the range of 103–105 CFU/g, particularly formula milk and optimal milk showed maximum contamination up to 106 CFU/g. Pseudomonas spp. displayed significantly high growth in all samples, whereas Staphylococcus spp. was identified in oats, formula milk, and optimal milk. Bacillus spp. was found in cerelac, apple Puree, formula milk, and optimal milk. Notably, Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples. In addition, Vibrio spp. was estimated in formula milk up to 102 CFU/g. Meanwhile, Shigella spp. was detected in formula milk and optimal milk. Most of the isolates exhibited resistance against a wide range of antibiotics. Only STR (10 μg), GEN (10 μg), AZM (15 μg), and NA (5 μg) exhibited the efficacy against the bacterial growth. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of strict hygiene and safety practices in the food industry to mitigate the health risks associated with microbial contamination in baby foods. Furthermore, prudent antibiotic use is crucial to combat emerging resistance and ensure the safety of these products for consumers.