"CDC Implements Tracking System for Cronobacter Contamination in Baby Formula"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will begin collecting data on infections caused by cronobacter, the pathogen responsible for last year's infant formula crisis. The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists recommended this approach, which will make cronobacter a nationally notifiable disease, allowing for better monitoring and prevention. The move comes after several babies fell ill and two died from consuming contaminated formula. The FDA also announced changes to its food safety program, including the appointment of a single leader, following criticism of its handling of the crisis. Advocacy groups have welcomed these changes, emphasizing the potential impact on infant mortality. Cronobacter infections are rare, and the CDC has documented fewer than 80 cases in infants over the past 20 years, but underreporting has been an issue.