The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will now commence the tracking of infections caused by Cronobacter, an extremely dangerous bacterium that has been detected in powdered infant formula. On Thursday, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, a nonprofit organization that advises the CDC, added Cronobacter-related infections to the national watchlist of severe conditions that should be reported to the public health agency. Currently, only Minnesota and Michigan are obligated to report Cronobacter infections. However, starting next year, all states will be requested to report cases to the CDC, although it will not be mandatory.
The discovery of the bacteria in baby formula in 2021 resulted in widespread recalls and the temporary closure of an Abbott Nutrition production plant in Sturgis, Michigan, leading to a significant shortage. The initial reported case prior to the formula shortage was in Minnesota in September 2021. The CDC documented at least four cases of infant illness and two deaths, although nine infant deaths were also reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between December 2021 and March 2022.
Experts in the industry have praised the new oversight. Teresa Murray, a consumer watchdog for the Public Interest Research Group in Washington, D.C., stated, “It’s excellent news that Cronobacteria will now be added to the list of infections reported to the CDC.” She further stated, “What is astonishing is that this requirement was not introduced much earlier.” Murray noted that each year, around 300 food and beverage recalls are conducted through the FDA and USDA, with most triggered by reports of illness. She emphasized the importance of reporting illnesses to health officials so that regulators can identify problem foods and issue recalls.
Cronobacter sakazakii, commonly known as Cronobacter, occurs naturally in the environment and can be found in dry foods such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Many foodborne illnesses are believed to be underreported, as individuals may not become sick enough to seek medical attention or may mistake the symptoms for a simple stomach bug. The decision to now include Cronobacter in the reporting required by the CDC is expected to lead to quicker detection and recall of potentially harmful infant formula and other foods, resulting in fewer illnesses and deaths in the future.
It is important to note that powdered infant formula in the United States is not required to be sterile, increasing the risk of Cronobacter contamination. Therefore, to prevent Cronobacter infections in babies, it is recommended to keep hands and surfaces clean, properly clean and store feeding items, and prepare and store powdered formula safely. Breastfeeding and using liquid formula can also reduce the risk of Cronobacter infections in infants.
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