Meningitis linked to powdered baby formula, warns health body

BACTERIA found in powdered infant formula is linked to outbreaks of meningitis and baby deaths, according to world health experts.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have warned that, because powdered formula is not sterile, it can be contaminated during manufacturing or while the formula is being prepared by the mother.

Babies up to four weeks, particularly pre-term, low birth-weight and babies with a weak immune system are at greatest risk of infection.