Powdered Infant Formula Safety

Why Can Powdered Infant Formula Carry Cronobacter?

Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium found in the environment that can survive in dry foods, including powdered infant formula. Contamination may occur during production or after a container is opened if powder, scoops, bottles or preparation surfaces come into contact with the organism. The presence of Cronobacter is uncommon, but infection can be severe in young infants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies younger than 2 months, infants born prematurely and those with weakened immune systems face greater risk. Cronobacter infection can cause sepsis or meningitis. Parents should seek urgent medical care if a baby has fever, poor feeding, unusual crying, very low energy or other signs of serious illness.

How Can Parents Prepare Powdered Formula More Safely?

Wash hands with soap and water before preparing formula, and clean and sanitize feeding equipment as recommended for the baby's age and health. Use the exact amount of water and powder listed on the product label; adding extra water can leave an infant undernourished, while adding extra powder can cause dehydration or place excessive strain on the kidneys.

For babies at higher risk, CDC guidance recommends considering ready-to-feed liquid formula when possible because it is manufactured as a sterile product. When powdered formula is necessary, caregivers should follow current CDC instructions for high-risk infants, including guidance on heating water before mixing. Formula should not be warmed in a microwave because uneven heating can create areas hot enough to burn a baby's mouth.

How Long Can Prepared Infant Formula Be Stored?

CDC guidance states that prepared formula should be used within two hours of preparation and within one hour from the start of feeding. If it will not be used within two hours, it should be refrigerated immediately and generally used within 24 hours. Caregivers should follow any stricter instructions printed on the formula label.

Leftover formula from a feeding should be discarded because saliva entering the bottle can promote bacterial growth. Formula containers should remain clean, dry and tightly closed, and the scoop should be handled with clean, dry hands. Families should also check official recall notices and stop using any product identified by its lot number or expiration date.