Deadly Bacteria Found in Baby Formula

The bacteria Enterobacter sakazaki was found for the first time in Korea in an infant formula produced by Namyang Dairy Products Co.

E. sakazaki can be transmitted to infants 28 days or younger or that lack adequate immune systems, or those that are underweight (under 2.5kg), and can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. Death rates reach 20 to 50 percent.

The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) reported on September 7 that Namyang’s Alps Goat Milk Infant Formula contained E. sakazaki after investigating 34 out of 47 baby powder products in the market.

The NVRQS tested a sample of this product manufactured on April 18 and found one bacterium for each 300g, and ordered all sales of the product to be halted and recalled as of September 6. The NVRQS explained, “It is not certain how the E. sakazaki has appeared, but there are instances where infection may occur during the packing process after the formula is sterilized.”

Kang Moon-il, head of the NVRQS, stated, “This bacteria is dangerous for infants under six months that lack adequate immune systems, but it is safe when the powder is mixed with water over 70’C and cooled in flowing water.”

Namyang responded, “we will reexamine the production line and enforce sanitary measures, and we will take care not to let this happen again.”

sublime@donga.com