Harmful bacteria found in baby formula: gov`t

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, July 13 (Yonhap) -- A bacteria that can cause meningitis in infants has
been found in a locally made baby formula, the government quarantine service said
Monday.
The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said Enterobacter
sakazakii bacteria was found in 695kg of powdered milk made by Maeil Dairies Co.
June 17. The discovery was made during regular sample testing by the agency under
the food and agriculture ministry.
It said the 53,460 individual 13g packages were contaminated overall, although
none had reached the market.
Enterobacter sakazakii poses particular risks to babies under six months old or
weighing under 2.5kg. However, it poses no threat if mixed with water exceeding
70 decrees Celsius.
"Investigators are trying to find the cause of the contamination that may have
been related to the manufacturing process or the ingredients used," an NVRQS
official said.
He said all products suspected of being tainted with the bacteria are currently
in a holding area and will be destroyed, with Maeil ordered to take steps to
prevent a recurrence.
The products contaminated were all disposable packages of the company's Premium
Goong 1 baby formula. Larger cans containing the formula were not tainted with
the bacteria.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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