Feb 18 - The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) yesterday (Feb 17) advised people not to consume certain batches of infant formula manufactured in France suspected of being contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii.
EU authorities informed CFS today that the manufacturer concerned was recalling the product, as the South Korean authorities had found Enterobacter sakazakii in the concerned product.
Details of the product are as follows:
* Manufacturer: Vitagermine
* Product name: Babynat Organic Infant Milk (Lait en poudre pour bébé Babynat 1 ) (900g)
* Bar code: 3288131502014
* Lot number: 17381
* Expiry date: 13/10/2010
Enterobacter sakazakii can be found in the environment, but it generally causes disease only in people with weakened immune systems. Enterobacter sakazakii can cause invasive infection such as bacteria in blood or meningitis. Neonates (28 days old or below) and infants less than 2 months of age, in particular pre-term infants, low-birth-weight infants (< 2.5 kg) and infants with weakened immunity, are at greater risk.
For high-risk infants who cannot be breastfed, caregivers are encouraged to use, whenever possible and feasible, commercially sterile liquid formula. According to the recommendation by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, reconstitution of powdered infant formula with water that is no less than 70¢J can significantly inactivate Enterobacter sakazakii.
"Based on information collected, the affected product has been imported into Hong Kong. The centre will continue its investigations," a CFS spokesman said.
"The CFS has alerted the trade to stop selling the particular product and is closely monitoring the situation.