HAMILTON, New Zealand, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Health officials in New Zealand are investigating why a premature baby was fed powered milk despite international warnings against the practice.
The parents of Linnea Baillie want to know why their child contracted a fatal infection linked to the milk powder formula fed her at Waikato Hospital, TV New Zealand reported Monday.
E. sakazaki, a rare infection from a relatively common bug, brought on meningitis killing the baby. The infection has been traced to the milk formula.
Dr. Phil Weston said the hospital decision to use the powered milk had been made several years ago using the best information at the time because it was about 35 cents cheaper per 100 milliliters than the sterile liquid version.
In April 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that powdered infant formulas should "not be used in neonatal intensive care settings unless there is no alternative." The FDA recommended switching to sterile, but more expensive, liquid formulas, when feasible.
The warning applies only to premature babies and those with immune problems. The milk powder is considered safe for healthy, full-term babies as long as the instructions are followed.
