Formula Death Has Parents Concerned For Feeding Safety

January 31, 2012
Testing has confirmed that the bacteria responsible for infecting and killing a Lebanon, Missouri, new-born infant came from formula and nursery water given to the child at home, but that the items were contaminated once opened in the home. This has led many new parents to focus on safe bottle-feeding practices, according to News Leader.
Tests by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the bacteria responsible for killing the 10-day old infant, Cronobacter sakazakii, was found on an opened container of formula and nursery water in the child’s home, but was not found in containers from the same lot that were unopened.
This news, combined with the fact that around 80 percent of all babies in the United States will be fed formula at some point in infancy, has many concerned about keeping newborns safe from infection.
Candice Cohen Gulden, a spokeswoman for the International Formula Council, says that cleanliness is the most essential part of feeding a new baby. The Mayo Clinic suggests some ways you can ensure all formula prepared for your child is served in a safe and sanitary manner is by:

• Checking the expiration date and condition of container
• Washing your hands
• Sterilizing utensils before first use
• Properly storing formula

The Missouri personal injury lawyers with Cofman Townsley hope that these tips help keep your baby healthy and safe from any dangerous infections during feeding.