Cronobacter is a rare but serious pathogen, especially dangerous to infants and young children. Eurofins Food Testing UK offers accredited Cronobacter spp testing for powdered infant formula and other dry foods, supporting food safety compliance and protecting vulnerable populations. Our rapid, reliable testing methods help identify contamination risks and verify hygiene controls across raw materials, products, and production environments.
What is Cronobacter?
Cronobacter is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Several species fall under this genus, and all may cause severe infections, particularly in infants. It is known for its ability to resist desiccation and form biofilms, allowing it to persist in dry environments such as powdered infant formula facilities.
Regulatory requirements in the UK and EU
In Europe, Cronobacter spp is monitored under Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005. Microbiological criteria require it to be not detected in 10g across 30 samples for powdered infant formula. In addition, food business operators must monitor processing environments and equipment. This regulation remains retained in UK law post-Brexit.
Note: Regulations are subject to change. Please consult the Food Standards Agency or relevant local authorities for the most up-to-date information. Eurofins food consultancy experts are also available to provide tailored support and horizon scanning.
Sources and contamination pathways
Cronobacter spp can survive on abiotic surfaces like stainless steel, and in environmental sources such as dust, soil, water, and raw materials. Contamination may occur via poorly sterilised equipment, water, airborne dust, or post-pasteurisation ingredients. Although infections are rare, they can be fatal, especially in infants.
When to test for Cronobacter
Best practice includes testing
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Raw materials at risk before use in the manufacture of a product
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Finished products by batch before release
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The production environment, including staff, surfaces and airborne dust
Reliable, rapid analytical solutions*
Eurofins network of laboratories offers an advanced suite of Cronobacter testing methods tailored to dry matrices such as infant milk powders
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PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) detection: 24-hour turnaround* (excluding any confirmation time); ideal for low-level pathogen detection and optimised for in infant formula and ingredients
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Chromogenic analysis: 48-hour turnaround* (excluding any confirmation time); suitable for shared environmental sample testing with Salmonella spp. Shorter TAT than ISO method.
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NF EN ISO 22964: Internationally recognised, so ideal for exported product; 72-hour turnaround* (excluding confirmation time)
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Whole genome sequencing (NGS-WGS): Enables comparison of strains found in the production environment and finished products, helping trace contamination sources.
Our microbiology experts can also support control plan development and interpretation of regulatory texts.
*Note: We are continuously developing new methodologies to meet evolving needs. For details on turnaround times for specialist microbiological testing, please contact your local Eurofins Food Testing UK laboratory as some services are delivered locally, while others may be delivered through our network of Eurofins Laboratories and Competence Centres.
Contact us
To discuss your Cronobacter testing requirements or to review your contamination control strategy, contact us or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
