Sub-lethal heat treatment affects the tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii BCRC 13988 to various organic acids, simulated gastric juice and bile solution

►Heat shock might enhance the tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii to organic acid. ►Degree of enhanced tolerance of heat-shocked C. sakazakii varied with organic acid. ►Tolerance of C. sakazakii in simulated gastric acid increased after heat shock. ►Heat shock did not alter the behavior of C. sakazakii in bile salt solution.