International Cronobacter Conference.

The danger of feeding powdered infant formula to neonates and premature infants remains. What is to be done?

It is imperative that all in attendance at this conference, the food industry reps, the government regulators, and members of academia with knowledge on this subject, make every effort to properly, timely and fully inform expectant mothers of the risk associated with PIF. Dr. Anna Bowen of the CDC acknowledged that while there have been advances in the identification, isolation, detection of Cronobacter and in the manufacturing process, the fact remains that non-sterile, Cronobacter infested PIF is still being marketed and consumed by unknowing infants the world over. Dr. Bowen advised, as she had previously in a paper entitled "Invasive Enterobacter sakazakii Disease in Infants" in August, 2006, that infant care givers should be advised of the risks associated with nonsterile powdered infant formula! Dr. Peter Ben Embark from the World Health Organization, in closing the conference, also noted the importance of disseminating the research exhibited at this conference and the need to "raise the awareness of public health workers."

The powdered infant formula industry is a very lucrative industry in Ireland, Switzerland and the USA and provides many babies much needed nutrition. Unfortunately, PIF presents a well documented danger to unsuspecting infants the world over. Since to date it is impossible to eradicate cronobacter from the manufacturing process, it should be the goal of this conference to inform every expectant mother of the risks associated with PIF. No premature infant, neonate nor immune compromised baby should consume this dangerous product. Formula companies the world over should be more proactive in educating the public in general and healthcare providers in particular of this serious threat to infants.

Contact us or call us at 800.948.6002 if you have additional questions concerning Cronobacter or Enterobacter Sakazkii.