Reckitt/Mead Johnson (MJN) Nutrition has announced a voluntary recall of certain baby formula products due to possible contamination.
The FDA, which announced the recall on December 31, said it is due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in multiple products.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that can naturally be found in the environment as well as in manufactured products such as starches, herbal teas, powdered baby formula, and powdered milk. While infections are rare with only two to four cases being reported annually, they can be deadly in infants, according to the CDC.
“Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements,” reads the recall announcement. “Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.”
The recall affects MJN’s 12.6 and 19.8-ounce cans of its Nutramigen Powder. The products were all produced in June of last year and distributed primarily between June and August.
Batch codes affected by the recall proceed as follows:
- 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)
The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025.”
FDA officials believe that most, if not all, of the products have been consumed already and said that it has received no reports of adverse effects linked to consumption. Moreover, all products tested for the bacteria by MJN have come back negative and no other products have been affected.
Consumers in possession of the remaining products are advised to dispose of them or contact MJN for a full refund.