Childhood Health

Fighting Menengitis

Enterobacter sakazakii is known to cause meningitis and death of neonates. The bacterium has been isolated from commercially manufactured powdered infant formula. UGA food scientists in the Center for Food Safety in Griffin undertook a study to determine its survival characteristics in powdered formula and growth characteristics in reconstituted formula. The rate of death in six types of milk- and soy-based formulas was increased as either the raw or storage temperature was increased. The pathogen can survive in powdered infant formula for at least one year. E. sakazakii can grow rapidly in reconstituted formula held at 12, 21, or 30ºC. To minimize the risk of growth and illness, the time held at room temperature after reconstituting should be less than 4 hours. To prevent growth, reconstituted formula should be stored at 4ºC or below. (2007)

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