Key points
- Cronobacter is a type of bacteria that can live in dry foods, like powdered infant formula.
- Cronobacter infections in infants less than 12 months old are often linked to powdered infant formula.
How it spreads
Cronobacter are germs found naturally in the environment.
These germs can live in dry foods, such as:
- Powdered infant formula
- Powdered milk
- Herbal teas
- Starches
Cronobacter infections in infants less than 12 months old are often linked to powdered infant formula. Powdered formula is not sterile and might have germs in it. Powdered infant formula can get contaminated in homes or in processing facilities that make it.
In the home:
You can accidentally get Cronobacter in powdered formula after you open the container. Cronobacter can live on surfaces in your home, such as a kitchen counter or sinks, and in water. In the home, Cronobacter could get into powdered formula in these ways:
- If you place formula lids or scoops on contaminated surfaces and later touch the formula.
- If you mix the formula with contaminated water or in a contaminated bottle.
In a processing facility:
Cronobacter can also get into powdered infant formula in a processing facility in these ways:
- If the manufacturer uses contaminated ingredients to make the formula.
- If the formula powder touches a contaminated surface in the facility (or during manufacturing).