International Cronobacter Conference.

The first International Conference on Cronobacter, formally known as Enterobacter sakazakii, begins in Dublin.

In one of the most hospitable cities in the world, Dublin, Ireland, a two day symposium on Cronobacter concluded Friday with much excitement and optimism regarding the progress made in identifying and combating the danger posed by the dangerous bacteria, Cronobacter.

The UCD Centre for Food Safety co-hosted the conference in collaboration with the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Irish Society for Microbiology (SGM), Teagsac and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). At this conference researchers with prestigious academic credentials reported the results of their scientific research projects regarding Cronobacter to the audience. Government regulators enlightened the attendees on food safety efforts being undertaken and experts from the food industry reported on their efforts to eradicate Cronobacter from powdered infant formula at their manufacturing facilities. Most of the 200 in attendance likewise had similar backgrounds and came from around the world.

Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Brendan Smith, kicked off the event proudly proclaiming that Ireland exported 15% of the world’s powdered infant formula. Citing food safety as a paramount concern, he informed us that Ireland had invested over 100,000,000 Euros to ensure the safety of food products. He exclaimed "Your health is your wealth" and the conference commenced.
Perhaps the most important fact about this conference is that it occurred. There have been sporadic reports from around the world since 1958 about the association of powdered infant formula with Cronobacter infection in neonates and premature infants. Only in the last several years has the number of reports increased to the point where it is taken more seriously sparking efforts by government regulators, food industry experts and academia to seek to better understand this dangerous bug and figure out how to eradicate it from powdered infant formula.

The University College of Dublin (UCD), our gracious host, advanced numerous papers at the conference. For their efforts in spearheading this initiative and in recognition of their dedication to ethics and professionalism in their academic presentations, Dr. Peter Ben Embarek from the WHO nominated them for the prestigious title of a "Collaborating University on Enterobacter Sakazakii." It was a proud moment for Prof. Seamus Fanning, Dr. Carol Iverson, Mr. Brendan Healy, Dr. Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Dr. Lorraine Kyne, Prof. Francis Butler, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Wall, all of the UCD, and Dr. Geraldine Duffy (Teagsac) and their helpful staff.

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