Mixed-species biofilms represent the most frequent actual lifestyles of microorganisms in food processing environments, and they are usually more resistant to control methods than single-species biofilms. The persistence of biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens is believed to cause serious human diseases. These challenges have encouraged researchers to search for novel, natural methods that are more effective towards mixed-species biofilms. Recently, the use of bacteriophages to control mixed-species biofilms have grown significantly in the food industry as an alternative to conventional methods. This review highlights a comprehensive introduction of mixed-species biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens and their enhanced resistance to anti-biofilm removal strategies. Additionally, several methods for controlling mixed-species biofilms briefly focused on applying bacteriophages in the food industry have also been discussed. This article concludes by suggesting that using bacteriophage, combined with other 'green' methods, could effectively control mixed-species biofilms in the food industry.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen that has become a significant challenge to public health and poses a serious risk to food safety, especially in powdered infant formula. This study applied a novel approach combining the Phage Amplification Assay with qPCR (PAA‐qPCR), amplifying the C. sakazakii phage EspYZU12 coupled with phage‐specific qPCR to detect viable C. sakazakii in milk samples. Results showed that the limit of detection of 6.58 × 102 CFU/mL of C. sakazakii could be assayed in less than 5.5 h with phage EspYZU12 (103 PFU/mL). Additionally, compared with plate counting, the accuracy factor value (Af), the bias factor value (Bf) and the root mean square error (RMSE) of the PAA‐qPCR method were 1.029, 1.026 and 1.808 respectively. The PAA‐qPCR method exhibited high sensitivity, rapidity and specificity for detecting live C. sakazakii in dairy products.