Latest news with #Cronobacter
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Parents Warned Against Deadly Bacteria in Infant Formula
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Parents of newborns are being urged to take extra care when preparing powdered infant formula after new research revealed that the ambiguity of many current instructions may leave babies vulnerable to a deadly foodborne bacteria. The study, published in the Journal of Food Protection by Cornell University researchers, highlights dangerous gaps in the guidelines printed on formula packaging. According to the team, ambiguous instructions—such as "boil water and wait five minutes"—do not provide the precision needed to kill Cronobacter, a rare but life-threatening pathogen. Woman preparing infant formula at table indoors, closeup. Woman preparing infant formula at table indoors, closeup. Liudmila Chernetska Cronobacter infections are uncommon, with only about 18 cases reported annually in the U.S. But for high-risk infants—including babies under two months, premature infants and those who are immunocompromised—contracting the bacteria can be extremely risky. Contaminated powdered formula can cause septicemia, meningitis and even death. Previous studies have shown that water heated to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) can kill Cronobacter. "We assessed what instructions would help ensure caregivers following a series of preparation steps would use water that measured at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit," Abigail Snyder, associate professor of microbial food safety and corresponding author on the paper, said in a statement. The new research refines this guidance, recommending a step-by-step approach that leaves far less room for error: Boil water and pour it directly into the baby bottle. Use a thermometer to monitor the cooling water until it reaches about 165°F. Add powdered formula, shake well and let the mixture sit for one minute. Actively cool the bottle—such as under running water—until it reaches body temperature. This extra heat step allows the water to kill any Cronobacter that may be present before the formula is fed to the baby. Researchers acknowledged that asking sleep-deprived parents to measure temperatures and wait precise times can feel overwhelming. However, the period of highest risk is relatively short: infections are most dangerous in the first eight weeks of life. After that, the risk of Cronobacter decreases sharply. "It's important to protect our most vulnerable infants and this is an instance where caregivers have agency to make sure formula is safe," Snyder said. The research was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and could inform future changes to formula preparation guidelines. "We're asking people to do this extra work but then the preparation protocols that are provided can result in practices that are insufficient to inactivate Cronobacter, despite all the additional effort," Snyder said. "That's the circumstance that we're trying to prevent." Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Let us know via health@ Reference Beary, M. A., Daly, S. E., Baker, J., & Snyder, A. B. (2025). Assessing Hot Water Reconstitution Instructions and Labeling of Powdered Infant Formula to Ensure Cronobacter spp. Reduction. Journal of Food Protection, 88(9), 100571.
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Food safety stalwart given recognition
Photo: suppied Four decades of food safety work have earned a local scientist national recognition. University of Otago food science Professor Phil Bremer (pictured) has been named winner of the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology's Industry Awards. In a statement, New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said they were delighted to present Prof Bremer with the award. "With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Prof Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science ... His work has helped build effective food safety culture, industry best practice, equipment and processing technology, product and packaging development, and science and research." A key achievement of his was leading the development of a guide to prevent contamination of infant formula with Cronobacter, a lethal bacterium for infants under six months old. Prof Bremer serves as chief scientist at the New Zealand Food Safety and Scientific Research Centre and sits on several industry steering groups. — APL
Otago Daily Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Work on food safety recognised
Phil Bremer. Photo: supplied Southern scientist Phil Bremer's more than 40-year contribution to the food safety sector was recognised last week. The professor of food science at the University of Otago was presented the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award. Prof Bremer, of Dunedin, said it was a privilege to be recognised "for a career you've really enjoyed". New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said Prof Bremer's many achievements included leading the development of a guide to prevent contamination of infant formula with Cronobacter, a lethal bacterium for infants younger than 6 months. "New Zealand dairy companies now benefit from this resource, which helps to ensure the safety of infant formula for the youngest consumers, at home and abroad," he said. "With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Prof Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science, publishing more than 200 academic papers. "His work has helped build effective food safety culture, industry best practice, equipment and processing technology, product and packaging development, and science and research." Prof Bremer is a current member on several industry steering groups and the chief scientist at New Zealand Food Safety and Scientific Research Centre. The award was presented at the joint annual conference of the centre and New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology in Palmerston North.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Recognition For 40-Year Contribution To Strong Food Safety Culture And Sector
Press Release – New Zealand Food Safety With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Professor Phil Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science, publishing more than 200 academic papers. New Zealand Food Safety congratulates Professor Phil Bremer for scooping this year's Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award at New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology's Food Industry Awards last night. In addition to his roles as Professor of Food Science at University of Otago and Chief Scientist New Zealand Food Safety and Scientific Research Centre (NFSSRC), Professor Phil Bremer is also an active member on several industry steering groups. 'We are delighted to present Professor Bremer with the award,' says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. 'With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Professor Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science, publishing more than 200 academic papers. 'His work has helped build effective food safety culture, industry best practice, equipment and processing technology, product and packaging development, and science and research.' Among his many achievements are leading the development of a guide to prevent contamination of infant formula with Cronobacter, a lethal bacterium for infants under 6 months of age. 'New Zealand dairy companies now benefit from this resource, which helps to ensure the safety of infant formula for the youngest consumers, at home and abroad,' says Mr Arbuckle. 'Professor Bremer has made an immense contribution to the quality and breadth of food safety science in New Zealand, and to the strength of the wider food safety sector, with a number of leadership roles in New Zealand food safety associations and societies across his 40-year career. He also passes on his knowledge undertaking significant post-graduate supervision.' Mr Arbuckle says New Zealand Food Safety's ongoing support of the award is an important opportunity to celebrate champions of food safety culture, research and applications in food production. 'We applaud Professor Bremer, all 2025 award nominees and past winners whose contributions and commitment support New Zealand's world-class food safety system,' says Mr Arbuckle. Previous winners of the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award include Dr Pierre Venter (2024) and Dr Rob Lake (2023).
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Recognition For 40-Year Contribution To Strong Food Safety Culture And Sector
New Zealand Food Safety congratulates Professor Phil Bremer for scooping this year's Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award at New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology's Food Industry Awards last night. In addition to his roles as Professor of Food Science at University of Otago and Chief Scientist New Zealand Food Safety and Scientific Research Centre (NFSSRC), Professor Phil Bremer is also an active member on several industry steering groups. 'We are delighted to present Professor Bremer with the award,' says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. 'With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Professor Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science, publishing more than 200 academic papers. 'His work has helped build effective food safety culture, industry best practice, equipment and processing technology, product and packaging development, and science and research.' Among his many achievements are leading the development of a guide to prevent contamination of infant formula with Cronobacter, a lethal bacterium for infants under 6 months of age. "New Zealand dairy companies now benefit from this resource, which helps to ensure the safety of infant formula for the youngest consumers, at home and abroad,' says Mr Arbuckle. "Professor Bremer has made an immense contribution to the quality and breadth of food safety science in New Zealand, and to the strength of the wider food safety sector, with a number of leadership roles in New Zealand food safety associations and societies across his 40-year career. He also passes on his knowledge undertaking significant post-graduate supervision.' Mr Arbuckle says New Zealand Food Safety's ongoing support of the award is an important opportunity to celebrate champions of food safety culture, research and applications in food production. "We applaud Professor Bremer, all 2025 award nominees and past winners whose contributions and commitment support New Zealand's world-class food safety system," says Mr Arbuckle. Previous winners of the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award include Dr Pierre Venter (2024) and Dr Rob Lake (2023).
