Gov`t finds harmful bacteria in French baby formula

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- The government said Thursday that it has found harmful
bacteria in a French powdered milk product that can pose health risks to infants.
The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said it
discovered traces of the enterobacter sakazaki (E. sakazaki) bacteria in a 135
kilogram package of canned organic infant formula made by Vitagermine S.A.
The package imported late last month will likely be destroyed and local health
authorities will be notified to check sales of products made by Vitagermine that
cleared inspections in the past.
From December 2007, the company exported to South Korea a total of eight
shipments containing 1,492 kilograms of canned baby formula. Six of those,
totaling 1,222 kilograms, actually reached the market.
The quarantine service under the farm ministry also said it is carefully checking
another 135 kilogram package that arrived last week for similar contamination.
E. sakazaki has been classified as a harmful strain of bacteria by the World
Health Organization posing health risks for people with weak immune systems and
newborn babies. The bacteria, which usually affects babies under five months old,
can cause meningitis and enteritis and in serious cases lead to death.
The NVRQS said it will conduct thorough examinations of future shipments by the
French company as a precautionary measure.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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