Codex Addresses Powdered Formula For Infants Out Of Concern About E. Sakazakii
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted 30 new international standards and guidelines to improve food safety and protect consumers, including some that impact powdered infant formula. The Codex changes came during a just ended week-long meeting.
The Commission adopted criteria for salmonella and other bacteria in powdered follow-up formulae for children six months of age or older and for special medical purposes for young children.
A bacterium of special concern is E. sakazakii, for which Codex adopted specific criteria for powdered formula for infants (0 to 6 months) in 2008. The Commission decided that in countries with particular risk for E. sakazakii from consumption of follow-up formulae (i.e. countries with substantial populations of immunocompromised babies) similar criteria for E. sakazakii could be introduced for follow-up formula as for powdered formula for infants.
Follow-up formulae should only be used for the intended target population. Unfortunately, they are often consumed by babies younger than six months of age. The standard stresses the need to address such product misuse issues through education campaigns and training.
Codex, established in 1963, has 181 member states plus the European Community. It is an offshoot of the United Nations.
