WRITTEN QUESTION E-1414/02

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(23 May 2002)

Subject: Meningitis bacteria in dry babyfood

Researchers at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands have confirmed that the bacterium Enterobacter sakazakii (also known as Yellow Pigmented Enterobacter Cloacae), which can cause meningitis in new-born babies and the elderly, has been found regularly in dry babyfood. Somehow or other, this bacterium manages to get into the tower driers used in the production of babyfood. Most other pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be prevented and eliminated by means of very strict hygiene at the production plant, but not Enterobacter sakazakii.

Is the Commission aware of this problem?

Has this phenomenon resulted in infants who consume dry babyfood becoming infected with meningitis? How many such cases have there been, both in absolute and in relative terms? How many babies have died of meningitis after being infected with Enterobacter sakazakii in dry babyfood? If the Commission does not have any information about this, will it make inquiries into the matter?

What measures will the Commission take in order, if possible, to prevent meningitis infections via dry babyfood in future?

Can the Commission say whether in the light of the above breast-feeding is preferable to dry babyfood? If so, what will the Commission do to draw the attention of the people of Europe to this fact?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2002)

At the end of April 2002 the Commission was informed of the death of an infant that had been linked to the consumption of an infant formula from which Enterobacter sakazakii was isolated. According to the information provided by the manufacturer, the product concerned was in conformity with existing national standards in the Member State where it was manufactured and with international standards. The Commission alerted all Member States through the Rapid Alert System(1). Since issuing the warning through the Rapid Alert System, the Commission has not been made aware of any cases of meningitis in infants caused by Enterobacter sakazakii.

Member States also have systems for reporting illnesses and they are obliged to communicate and to exchange data through the Community Network for Communicable Diseases established under Decision No 2119/98/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community(2).

The Commission would agree that when it is possible and not contraindicated, breast-feeding is the best way of feeding young infants and mothers should be encouraged to do so. Commission Directive 91/321/EEC of 14 May 1991 on infant formulae and follow-on-formulae(3) includes provisions to ensure that information on infant feeding intended for pregnant women and mothers indicates the benefits and superiority of breast-feeding. A statement concerning the superiority of breast-feeding must be included on the label of infant formula itself. This year the Commission is funding a project that aims to evaluate and develop standards for breast-feeding promotion activities in the Union with a view to develop strategies and plans for breast-feeding promotion at national and local levels.

(1) Council Directive 92/59/EEC of 29 June 1992 on general product safety, OJ L 228, 11.8.1992.

(2) OJ L 268, 3.10.1998.

(3) OJ L 175, 4.7.1991.