CDC report on Portagen
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
"Clinicians should be aware that powdered [infant] formulas are not sterile products and might contain opportunistic bacterial pathogens," CDC says in April 12 Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report summarizing premature infant's April 2001 death from meningitis caused by Enterobacter sakazakii. Infant became ill after being tube-fed Portagen, Mead Johnson's nutritional powder for infants who cannot digest or absorb fats. BMS division announced recall of Portagen batch at issue March 29; product is intended for use under doctor's supervision and is not typically sold at retail. In a letter to healthcare professionals April 12, FDA says "several outbreaks" of the infection in neonatal intensive care units worldwide have been associated with milk-based powdered infant formulas. Agency recommends powdered formulas "not be used in neonatal intensive care settings unless there is no alternative available"...