Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya:
Attention, new parents! There's an important recall announcement regarding Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition's infant formula in the United States, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sunday. The recall is a precautionary measure after Israeli health authorities detected the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a type of bacteria, in cans imported into Israel from the U.S.
The recall affects 675,030 cans sold in the U.S., all produced at a Mead Johnson plant in Zeeland, Michigan, starting in June 2023. Reckitt/Mead Johnson emphasized that the cans for the U.S. market were manufactured separately but were recalled due to their production timeline.
Despite all FDA tests, including samples from the batch sent to Israel, yielding negative results, Reckitt/Mead Johnson chose to recall select batches of Nutramigen, a popular infant formula, out of an abundance of caution. The company spokesperson assured that the factory continues to operate at full capacity, and there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recalled products.
The recalled Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder cans can be identified by batch codes available on the FDA's website. These include:
- ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
- ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
- ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
- ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
- ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
- ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)
Nutramigen is globally recognized as the best-selling brand for children with cow milk allergies, and the recalled cans represent only a small share of the overall formula produced by Reckitt.
Considering the limited availability of the remaining stock, Reckitt believes that most, if not all, of the recalled products in the United States have likely been consumed. To address concerns, customers can contact the company for a refund by calling 866-534-9986 or emailing consumer.relations@rb.com.
It's crucial to be aware that Cronobacter sakazakii poses risks, especially to infants. While illnesses connected to Cronobacter are rare, they can be severe and even deadly. The bacteria can be found naturally in the environment and may contaminate dry foods, including powdered infant formula. Symptoms of infection include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, and abnormal movements.
The FDA recommended the recall after Israeli authorities confirmed the contamination on Dec. 28, and Mead Johnson agreed to the recall on Dec. 29. The FDA is currently inspecting the Mead Johnson plant in Michigan in response to the contamination discovery, with ongoing tests showing negative results for Cronobacter. It's unclear when the FDA's inspection will conclude.
This recall follows Reckitt's Mead Johnson being one of three baby formula manufacturers receiving warning letters from the FDA in August, with concerns raised about Cronobacter detections in critical hygiene zones of the Zeeland plant. A previous inspection had cited the facility for not meeting precautions to prevent contamination by microorganisms in the formula or processing environment.