A Message from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regarding the
Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly referred to as Enterobacter sakazakii) Bacteria

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released the following statement on Dec. 22, 2011 regarding the Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly referred to as Cronobacter sakazakii) case.

• Samples have been sent to the CDC and FDA labs and test results are pending.
• Until testing is completed it cannot be determined whether the illness is linked to Enfamil Newborn Formula 12.5 oz. cans Lot # ZP1K7G or an outside source.
• Consumers who have purchased formula with that lot number should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
• Officials at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are advising parents to continue to follow the World Health Organization Guidelines for the Safe Preparation, Storage and Handling of powdered infant formula.
• This includes washing your hands with soap and water, thoroughly sterilizing all feeding equipment in hot, soapy water and preparing enough formula for only one feeding at a time.
• Read the complete guidelines.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is communicating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug and Administration and will not have any new information to release until testing has been completed by CDC and FDA.

In the meantime, media may contact the CDC or FDA media contacts listed below:

• Lola Russell, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (404) 639-3286 or lrussell@cdc.gov.
• Siobhan Delancey, Food and Drug Administration, (301) 796-4668 or siobhan.delancey@fda.hhs.gov.