Batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder are being recalled due to possible bacterial contamination.
Manufacturer Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition agreed to initiate a voluntary recall of 675,030 cans of formula after Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria was found in a batch being exported from the U.S. to Israel.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating since mid-December and has not found Cronobacter in the samples it has tested.
Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria can cause sepsis or meningitis. Symptoms include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Cronobacter also may cause bowel damage. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the Nutramigen recall.
The recalled formula was distributed in June, July and August 2023 at retail stores nationwide. The affected products have a batch code of
- ZL3FHG (12.6 ounce [oz] cans),
- ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans),
- ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans),
- ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans),
- ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans) and
- ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans).
The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and a use by date of Jan. 1, 2025. The recall does not affect any other Nutramigen batches or Reckitt products in the U.S.
Customers who have a recalled can should stop using the formula. They can throw it away or contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a refund.
The recalled formula is used by infants who are allergic to cow’s milk. Substitute formulas are available, and the FDA recommends that parents and caregivers work with their health care provider to find one. Parents should never dilute infant formula or make their own. They also should not purchase imported formula online as it could be counterfeit.
The FDA said it does not expect major impact on the U.S. supply of powdered infant formulas, unlike a 2022 recall of Abbott Nutrition formula linked to Cronobacter. In that recall, the combination of a plant shutdown and supply chain issues left parents and caregivers struggling to find food for their infants.
Parents who have questions should consult their pediatrician or contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson at 866-534-9986 or [email protected].
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