Abstract
This document was developed by the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre as a partnership between researchers and NZ dairy industry partners. It is intended to assist powdered infant formula (PIF) manufacturers and dairy processors to develop, implement and review control measures for Cronobacter species in the context of a Risk Management Programme (RMP) or a Food Control Plan (FCP).
The information within this document is designed to complement rather than to replace any specific requirements or guidance for Cronobacter and/or other pathogens as described in New Zealand legislation, such as the Animal Products Act 1999, for the dairy industry.
The production of this guide represents three years of intensive and incredibly detailed work, involving key dairy industry players and regulators, motivated and led by Distinguished Professor Phil Bremer (the Centre’s Chief Scientist) and Associate Professor Simon Swift (member of the Centre’s Science Leadership Team). Cronobacter is of increasing concern to the infant formula industry after two newborns died from drinking contaminated formula, produced in the US (2022). The consequences were enormous, including a critical national shortage of formula.