Recent illnesses highlight the need to include Clostridium botulinum spores and cereulide toxin as relevant hazards in powdered infant formula, according to scientists.
Ingestion of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-producing clostridial spores can result in infant botulism. Cereulide production during the manufacture of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, an optional ingredient in infant formula, has also been linked to illness.