cnn
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On Sunday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about possible bacterial contamination of Reckitt/Mead Johnson's Nutramigen hypoallergenic powdered infant formula products. The special formula is a hypoallergenic infant formula used by babies allergic to cow's milk.
Manufacturers voluntarily recalled 675,030 cans of the formula on December 29 after Israel's Ministry of Health notified the FDA that the exported formula tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter bacteria can cause rare but life-threatening infections in newborns. It is present in the environment, but is also known to contaminate powdered infant formula. The recalled cans of formula were distributed in the United States and additional product was exported.
The agency notes that no illnesses have been reported to date and that it is likely that most of the product distributed in the United States has already been consumed.
"All products in question underwent extensive testing," the company said. said in his press release"and it tested negative for the bacteria."
The FDA says consumers of Nutramigen hypoallergenic powdered infant formula with the following lot codes should not use the product and discard the formula immediately. Consumers can contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a refund.
โข ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
โข ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
โข ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
โข ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
โข ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
โข ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)
The products have a UPC code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and an โexpiration dateโ of January 1, 2025.
Although this product is a specialized infant formula, substitute infant formulas are available and the agency suggests that users work with their healthcare providers to find a substitute.
Cronobacter was linked to a national formula shortage in 2022, but the agency does not believe this voluntary recall will have a significant impact on formula supply.
On December 14, Israel's Ministry of Health notified the FDA that product tested at the Israeli border as part of routine sampling tested positive for the bacteria. In consultation with the FDA, Israel began whole genome sequencing of the products and confirmed the presence of the bacteria on December 28.
On December 18, the FDA immediately initiated a for-cause inspection at the Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition facility in Zeeland, which included testing of formula samples and environmental sampling. FDA inspection is currently ongoing, but all tests to date have been negative for Cronobacter.
