Massive Recall Issued for Thousands of Cans of Baby Formula

Recently, a massive recall was announced by the FDA. The recall is in regards to a particular type of baby formula sold in US stores and the recall applies to more than half a million cans of the formula across the United States.

Which Baby Formula Has Been Recalled?

The recall announced by the FDA comes in regard to a special brand of formula sold produced by the company Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition. The special brand of formula was identified as the Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder. The United States Food and Drug Administration currently has a list on their website to help those who may have bought the contaminated identity correctly identify if whether or not they have a contaminated product.

The numbers listed on the FDA's list are referred to as "batch numbers". As the name implies, the batch number identifies specifically when the product, in this case formula powder, was made. The formula can also be identified via the items UPC code and its expiration date. All of this information can be found by accessing the link to the FDA website, which you will find here.

FDA Recall Details

This recall of the Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder came bright and early to start the New Year. According to multiple reports, the recall was announced after Israeli health authorities confirmed a type of bacteria was found in cans that were being imported into Israel from the U.S.

The bacteria itself is called "Cronobacter Sakazakii". The bacteria is classified as a pathogen and is naturally occurring, meaning it could have come from anywhere. According to the report by the FDA, the Israeli Ministry of Health notified the FDA of the issue back on December 14, 2023. This would then begin a weeks-long process of sampling, testing and gathering information on the matter. Then on December 28, the FDA received testing results which confirmed Israeli reports.

Following the test results and confirmation of the Israeli findings, the FDA immediately contacted Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition and notified them of the findings. Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition then issued the announcement of the recall. In total, 675,030 of the contaminated formula was distributed across the United States.

In addition, Reckitt/Mead Johnson also produced and distributed additional products outside of the US which was made at the same time as the contaminated product.

Response to Baby Formula Recall

Despite this latest event, the FDA remains dedicated to protecting the "most vulnerable population". The FDA provided information on their current list of preventative strategies to protect against Cronobacter and are active in ways to improve the process.

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The FDA also has provided information on Cronobacter bacteria and its potential effects on a young child to become ill from it. Parents should also understand that young children becoming sick from this bacteria is RARE, however, it should also be taken seriously if a child were to get sick. That information as well as much more, may be found here

We will continue to do our best to provide updates for this subject if or when new information becomes available.