Both the Department of Health and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) are closely monitoring an incident of Enterobacter sakazakii infection cluster in France, noting that Mead Johnson has initiated a recall of all Pregestimil infant formula powder from international markets including Hong Kong as a precautionary measure following the incident.
"Initial information provided to FEHD by Mead Johnson revealed that four premature infants in France had become ill with Enterobacter sakazakii between October and December 2004. Three of them had a history of consuming reconstituted Pregestimil infant formula powder. But the cause of the illnesses is still not determined.
"According to Mead Johnson, the batches of infant formula powder involved were only distributed within France and were not sold in Hong Kong. The product withdrawal is being taken as a precaution.
"The Department of Health is contacting the French authorities for more information about the reported human infections in France.
"As a precautionary measure, the Department of Health is collecting information from public and private hospitals about recent Enterobacter sakazakii infections," a Government spokesman said.
Members of the public may seek advice from their family doctors or paediatricians if they have concerns about the consumption of the Pregestimil infant formula powder or contact Mead Johnson about information on the product.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200412/23/1223212.htm