Mead Johnson Says Enfamil Baby Formula is Safe

GLENVIEW, Ill.Mead Johnson Nutrition announced new testing of its Enfamil Premium® Newborn powdered formula linked to Missouri infants death last week has revealed no presence of  Cronobacter (Enterobacter sakazakii).

The new sample testing results reaffirm testing conducted before the batch was made available to retailers and consumers. Based on both sets of tests, Mead Johnson said its Enfamil Premium Newborn formula is safe. The results are consistent with independent media accounts reporting that none of the formula samples relating to the case have tested positive.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are seeking to determine the origin of the Cronobacter involved in the Missouri case and are expected to be testing a variety of possible environmental sources. The company has shared the results from its two tests with both authorities.

The International Formula Council (IFC) issued a statement on Dec. 23 to reassure parents and caregivers that powdered infant formula is safe. Because Cronobacter  spp. has been detected in many substances, careful preparation and handling of powdered infant formula is strongly recommended to avoid possible contamination.

In 2002, FDA advised health professionals that Cronobacter spp. had the potential to cause serious illness in premature and low birth weight infants and those with underlying medical conditions who are fed powdered infant formula that had been prepared inappropriately. Powdered infant formulas are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and are strictly microbiologically controlled. The products also are manufactured and tested to meet FDA bacteriological standards for infant formula as well as specifications established by the World Health Organization.