Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Food Safety,Our Blog on July 13, 2026
Infections involving Cronobacter in infants are fairly rare. However, they can be deadly. Especially among those at higher risk.
Unfortunately, you can’t control what happens to the product before it gets to your home and things outside of your control. Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to reduce their risk once you have presumably safe product in your home.
But first, what does Cronobacter in infants look like?
Cronobacter is bacteria that can be naturally occurring in the environment. It can survive in low-moisture, dry foods like starches, herbal teas, and powdered infant formula or milk.
Infections involving Cronobacter in infants often occur in the first days or weeks of life. This is mostly due to the immature immune system of the newborn. However, some newborns have increased risk factors that make them more vulnerable to these types of infections.
In addition to an age of two months or younger, certain risk factors can make infants more susceptible to Cronobacter infections.
Common symptoms of Cronobacter in infants can be easily overlooked.
Parents should look out for:
Cronobacter in infants can also develop into serious, life-threatening complications such as:
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of Cronobacter in infants. From selecting sterilized products for high-risk infants, to careful bottle preparation and sterilization techniques, and other simple steps can reduce those risks.
For babies under two months, those borne prematurely, or with an weakened immune system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using “ready-to-feed infant formula.”
These types of formula re made to be sterile, and is “the safest option for infants not receiving breast milk.”
Or, you can create your own version using powdered infant formula. To do this, heat water to at least 158 °F/70 °C, add the powdered formula to the measured water, and then cool the formula to body temperature before feeding the infant. If you choose this hot water method, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions Some specialty metabolic formulas could be damaged if it is heated to above 100 °F.
It doesn’t take long for germs to grow to infectious quantities. This is why it is so important to make sure anything that goes into the baby’s mouth or comes in contact with their food is clean.
This includes baby bottles, breast pump parts, nipples, caps, rings, and valves. Even things like pacifiers and teethers.
Always take apart bottles and breast pump equipment after each use and clean them thoroughly.
Never reuse a bottle or simply rinse it. Always properly clean a bottle after each use. Bacteria can grow in a partially used bottle, resulting in a Cronobacter infection or any number of illness causing foodborne germs.
Always wash your hands prior to preparing and feeding bottles to your baby. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you can use a 60% (or higher) alcohol hand sanitizer instead.
While a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will kill Cronobacter bacteria, it does not kill all of the bacteria that can make your baby sick. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you can.
Any surfaces that baby feeding equipment comes into contact with should be disinfected. You can use a disinfectant wipe or even a paper towel sprayed with a cleaning product to achieve this.
Never place breast pump parts or feeding items directly into the sink. Germs found in sinks and drains can contaminate these items and make your baby sick.
Never place the formula scoop on the counter, in the sink, or on any surface. Scoop the powder into the bottle or other receptacle and place it back into the container. Close formula containers as soon as possible once you are done with it.
Do not refrigerate leftover formula to feed later says the CDC. “The combination of the formula and your baby’s saliva can allow germs to grow.” You will also want to be mindful of the clock. Use prepared infant formula within one hour from the start of feeding and within two hours of preparing it.
You can store prepared formula in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If you don’t remember how long you have had the formula in the refrigerator, throw it out. It isn’t worth the risk.
If you suspect that your infant has become sick with Cronobacter or another foodborne illness from infant formula, the FDA has a consumer hotline. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 to report the illness.
It is also a good idea to get advice from a Cronobacter Lawyer. An experienced Cronobacter Lawyer can help you through the difficult process.
Medical bills, lost work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. A Cronobacter Lawyer can help point you in the direction of resources, gather important evidence, answer questions you may have. Even some you might not have through of. You want someone who knows what they are doing to represent you in court, if it comes to that.
If your child has become sick with Cronobacter from infant formula and wish to make a legal claim, the Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
The Lange Law Firm has won millions of dollars in food poisoning and product liability cases for families just like yours. Don’t wait, call today for your free, no obligation consultation. Call (833) 330-3663 to go over the details of your situation. Or fill out the online submission form and a member of our compassionate staff will get back with you right away.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)