In a joint statement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that there is no need to recall Enfamil formula tested for Cronobacter bacteria.
They added that the cases of Cronobacter infection in Illinois and Missouri where a boy died were not related. The statement also confirmed Enfamil manufacturer Mead Johnson’s previous negative test results for Cronobacterin its formula.
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate four cases, one each in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Florida. Unfortunately, the babies infected in Missouri and Florida died. It is still unclear where exactly the bacteria came from in each of the separate cases.
There are normally 4-6 cases each year of Cronobacter infection in babies, reported eFoodAlert. In 2011, the CDC noted 12 cases, likely because of an increased awareness of the bacteria.
The CDC said it is testing other formulas that the babies consumed but isn’t releasing names at this time.
You can read Mead Johnson’s reaction to the FDA and CDC announcement here.
Photo by abbybatchelder.
