A giant supermarket in the United States announced the full withdrawal of infant formula brand Enfamil from 49 states in the country. The withdrawal follows the death of a baby in the town of Lebanon, Missouri, USA who allegedly contracted the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii.

In response, Mead Johnson explained that all of its products free of bacterium Cronobacter and safe for consumption.

In a written statement from Mead Johnson, as quoted from VIVAnews.com, December 23, 2011, Mead Johnson Indonesia said it had obtained information from the local health department who said that babies in the United States is positively infected by the bacterium Cronobacter.

Bacterium Cronobacter is a microorganism that is found in the surrounding environment and sometimes also contained in a serious illness in newborns but very rarely. In cases such as serious illness, a complete investigation can be conducted by the health department.

According to Mead Johnson, the number of possible sources in the environment can Cronobacter can involve extensive sample testing and takes a long time to identify the cause. “Among some of the things that also tested the combination of formula consumed, such as powdered milk formula or water which is prepared to make the milk, and a few other things,” according to a written statement of Mead Johnson Indonesia.

For Mead Johnson Indonesia, infant health and safety is a top priority. Manufacturers of formula milk are also convinced that all of Mead Johnson products safe and nutritious when prepared, stored and used in accordance with the directions on the label. “All our products are manufactured and tested to meet the requirements of local and national regulations and strict standards of the company”.

Testing of materials and all milk products from Mead Johnson infant formula, including tests for Cronobacter, performed consistently by using the methodology used FDA and CDC. “If the material or product groups in powdered infant formula found to contain Cronobacter, the product will be immediately rejected and not distributed”.

Added Mead Johnson, the sequence of products used by the baby’s family has been tested and the results were negative for Cronobacter when produced and packaged.

“We strongly believe in safety and quality of our products through a very rigorous testing. We work closely with the health service in order to identify the source or cause of infection of this baby.”

Previously, as quoted by CNN, December 22, 2011, Walmart pulled all infant formula Enfamil with ZP1K7G product number from 3,000 supermarkets in 49 American states. Milk with a product number is what killed a male infant aged 10 days in the town of Lebanon, Missouri, USA last Sunday.

According to the Lebanese newspaper Daily Record reported by the Food Safety News, newborn baby named Avery Cornett died after his life support equipment removed last week. Avery Cornett suffered blood clots and infection of the nervous system, the initial result of the alleged contract Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, or Enterobacter sakazakii.