Enterobacter sakazakii: biological properties and significance in dried infant milk formula (IMF) powder†

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with rare but life‐threatening cases of meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in premature infants. The bacterium has been isolated at low levels from dried infant milk formulas and is a cause of concern to all manufacturers. The threat posed by E. sakazakii is further compounded by a paucity of knowledge in key areas, specifically its ecology and physiology. This organism now represents a serious challenge to all those involved in the manufacture of infant formula products.