Reckitt Benckiser Recalls Baby Formula Due to Potential Contamination

Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturer of infant formula Mead Johnson Nutrition, has recalled certain units of its hypoallergenic baby formula powder as a precautionary measure due to concerns over bacterial contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to CNBC, the batches recalled, which were manufactured last June and distributed last summer, were designed to cater to children who are allergic to cow’s milk.

The potential bacterial infection suspected in this case is called Cronobacter sakazakii, which has a chance of causing life-threatening infections such as sepsis and meningitis. Symptoms of these infections include temperature change, jaundice, poor appetite, irritability, problems breathing, and movements out of the norm. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and could spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

According to the FDA, the recall should not have a big impact on the U.S. supply and availability of baby formula powder, and the agency has been communicating with other manufacturers to get assistance in ensuring a solid supply of hypoallergenic formula is available on the market to cater for those who need it.

They have recommended that parents and caregivers should work with their child’s healthcare provider to find a suitable alternative.

The FDA said in a statement released on Sunday that there have been no reports of illnesses yet, stating, “Based on the limited availability of the remaining stock of this special infant formula, it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed.”

The company said no “illnesses or adverse events” have been reported yet, but they alerted consumers who have purchased Nutramigen to check the bottom of the can to see if they have one of the possibly contaminated batches.

The products were distributed via retail stores across the U.S., and the batches in question can be identified by the following codes/sizes: ZL3FHG (12.6-ounce cans), ZL3FMH (12.6-ounce cans), ZL3FPE (12.6-ounce cans), ZL3FQD (12.6-ounce cans), ZL3FRW (19.8-ounce cans), and ZL3FXJ (12.6-ounce cans).

The FDA has highlighted that powdered infant formula is not a sterile product, and they, as well as other public health agencies, encourage parents and caregivers to follow the right steps to manage powdered infant formula with as much caution and care as possible.