Heat, dry, survive: Up-stream parameters and matrix effects driving Salmonella enterica and Cronobacter sakazakii survival in whole milk and powdered infant formula during spray-drying
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Milk powder and powdered infant formula (PIF) are long-shelf-life products, yet they're still occasionally linked to outbreaks. Infants, in particular, represent a vulnerable segment of the population, making contamination events especially concerning. This study investigates the impact of various spray-drying conditions on the survival rates of Salmonella enterica and Cronobacter sakazakii , previously subjected to sub-stress, in whole milk and PIF. Using a Taguchi design, we examined the influence of food matrix, initial dry matter concentration, sub-stress conditions, and bacterial strains on the survival of S. enterica and C. sakazakii . The results showed that PIF provides a highly protective environment and that desiccation sub-stress significantly increases bacterial survival. Understanding bacterial survival mechanisms during the spray-drying step, with regard to drying conditions, can help to improve the microbiological safety of powdered dairy products, thereby reducing health risks in vulnerable populations. • Sub-stress exposure enhances pathogen survival during milk powder spray-drying. • PIF matrix offers stronger protection to bacteria than whole milk during drying. • Desiccation pre-stress significantly increases Salmonella spray-drying resistance. • Cronobacter sakazakii shows greater resilience than Salmonella enterica to heat. • Taguchi design identified critical upstream factors affecting pathogen inactivation.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,090
OpenAlex ID: W7130305990