Parents feeding powdered infant formula to their babies are likely distressed about today’s news that Wal-Mart has pulled a popular powdered infant formula brand from their shelves because of possible contamination by bacteria called Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii). This is a rare bacteria and is extremely dangerous to infants less than 28 days old. There are several important facts about all powdered formulas that parents need to know:
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Powdered infant formulas are not commercially sterile. Only liquid ready-to-feed infant formula is commercially sterile.
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Past research has proven that there is a direct link between powdered infant formula as it is manufactured and the contaminant, Cronobacter sakazakii (previously known as Enterobacter sakazakii).
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There have been past cases of baby death and severe baby illness due to Cronobacter sakazakii ingestion.
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This bacteria is not commonly found in the environment. In other words, you will not commonly find Cronobacter sakazakii on your kitchen counters like some other bacteria.
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Parents and other caregivers preparing bottles for their babies will not commonly introduce Cronobacter sakazakii into your baby’s formula. However, proper preparation and safe handling of formula is critical for other reasons, and as always, safe formula preparation practices must be used.
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