Mead Johnson infant formula, Enfamil, has been called into question after a 10-day old infant, Avery Cornett, died from a rare strain of bacteria believed to be linked to Enfamil.
Avery's parents rushed the infant to the hospital after he appeared lethargic and presented signs of stomach ache. The hospital confirmed the infant tested positive for Cronobacter Sakazakii, a bacteria that can be found in milk-based infant formula. While the bacteria is also considered an environmental contaminant, the diagnosis of the bacteria in the 10-day old infant prompted health officials to question the safety of the infant formula.
The County Health Department sent off samples of the two kinds of formula Avery had been eating. However, both tests came back negative and found Enfamil completely safe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control are trying to determine the origin of the bacteria strain. In addition, the health agencies are expected to be testing a number of environmental sources for possible bacteria contamination.
Enfamil, manufactured by Mead Johnson, has conducted multiple test in conjunction with the health agencies and stands by the safety of the their product. A Mead Johnson spokesperson told local press that they wanted to "reassure parents and health care professional about the safety and quality of their products." Mead Johnson infant formulas undergo more than 2,300 quality test and inspections to make sure their products are safe for infant consumption.
The FDA has not issued a nationwide recall as they are still trying to determine if there is a link between the infant formula and the infant's cause of death. However, out of caution, Wal-Mart initially pulled all Enfamil formula from company shelves until the product was proven safe. Kroger additionally pulled all 12.5 ounce Enfamil Premium Newborn formula with the batch number ZP1K7G.
According to Mead Johnson, all infant powder products are tested for Cronobacter (Enterobacter sakazakii) prior to shipment. If any traces of bacteria are found, the formula is "rejected and not distributed" to retail outlets.
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