- Print Friendly - Help

E sakazakii in infant formula

Recently there have been concerns raised about Enterobacter sakazakii in infant formula. NZFSA has prepared this brief fact sheet to provide parents and caregivers with advice and information.

What is Enterobacter sakazakii?

E sakazakii is a bacteria which is found throughout the environment. It is not usually associated with illness although in some rare cases has caused serious – occasionally fatal – illness in preterm or immuno compromised infants in neonatal units.

It can and does contaminate food, and this includes powdered infant formula. Pasteurisation reduces the number bacteria present in the milk powder, but the powder is not able to be sterilised, as sterilisation would effectively remove a number of nutrients that are needed for baby's development.

The bacteria may be present in the powder on purchase or can be introduced at the time of preparation. Using safe methods of preparation and storage of the formula will reduce any risk of illness.

Is E sakazakii a risk to babies?

E sakazakii is not associated with illness in healthy full term babies using powdered infant formula although, like all food these should be handled with care. NZFSA has instructions for handling infant formula at http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-safety-topics/recalls-and-product-advice/infant-formula-sakazakii/index.htm.

More information on E sakazakii found in dairy products for the general population can be found in:-http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/dairy/publications/information-papers/enterobacter-sakazakii/index.htm