Joint FAO/WHO Workshop on Enterobacter Sakazakii and Other Microorganisms in Powdered Infant Formula, Geneva, 2-5 February 2004

- Full report
- Executive Summary (Version 3, 13 April 2004)
[pdf 36kb]
- Questions and Answers
[pdf 109kb]

Background

The issue of pathogens and in particular Enterobacter sakazakii in infant formula was brought to the attention of the 35th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) by two separate processes. The 24th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) requested the CCFH to revise the Recommended International Code of Hygienic Practices for Foods for Infants and Children (CAC/RCP 21-1979) in order to address concerns raised by pathogens that may be present in infant formula. At the same time, the United States of America and Canada introduced a risk profile for E. sakazakii in powdered infant formula for consideration by the committee. The profile documented the severe life-threatening nature of E. sakazakii infections in susceptible neonates and infants and the sporadic, low levels of pathogen found in implicated formula products. Implicated products were generally in conformance with the microbiological requirements of the current Codex Alimentarius Code of Hygienic Practices for Foods for Infants and Children.

As a result, the 35th Session of the CCFH: (1) set up a drafting group led by Canada to initiate revision of this code; (2) noted that, as well as E. sakazakii, there were a number of other pathogens of concern that may be present in powdered infant formula such as Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus and other Enterobacter species; (3) requested the United States and Canada to update the risk profile to include other pathogens of concern, and (4) requested FAO and WHO to convene an expert consultation on pathogens of concern in powdered infant formula, at the earliest opportunity.

In order to respond to an emerging public health issue and to provide scientific advice to the next annual session of CCFH in March 2004, FAO and WHO are planning to hold a meeting on E. sakazakii and other microorganisms in powdered infant formula, in Geneva, early in 2004.

The meeting will consider pathogens (including opportunistic pathogens) of concern in infant formula, such as the Enterobacteriaceae, including E. sakazakii and Salmonella and toxigenic organisms such as Clostridium botulinum and Staphylococcus aureus. The work will focus on infant formula defined as a breast-milk substitute specially manufactured to satisfy, by itself, the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of appropriate complimentary feeding.