A baby formula company has recalled a huge amount of formula due to potential health risks.
Reckitt, a nutrition product company, announced a voluntary recall of two batches of ProSobee 12.9-ounce Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination on February 19. This recall affects about 145,000 containers.
Cronobacter is a type of germ that exists naturally in the environment. But it can be found in dry food such as herbal tea, starch, powdered milk, and baby formula. The CDC reported that while a Cronobacter infection is not common, with two to four cases being reported per year, it can be deadly for infants.
The bacteria have been known to cause other illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis in infants younger than 2 months.
The newly recalled lots were manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022 and distributed through the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico, the release said.
Recalled product batches can be identified with the marker ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By” date of March 1, 2024.
No other products are affected by this recall.
The company said in a press release that no infections or complications in relation to the product have been reported. None of the products thus far have tested positive for the bacteria. Reckitt, however, endeavored to initiate the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”
‘We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety and it is for this reason that we have taken this extraordinary measure,” said the company in the press release.
“The batches in question tested negative for Cronobacter and other bacteria and this is an isolated situation,” it continued.
Reckitt linked the cause of the issue to material provided by a third party. It further assured that it has taken actions to remedy this problem and is no longer receiving materials from that source.
“The health and safety of infants is our highest priority,” said the company in the release.
Consumers who have the affected product are advised to dispose of it or return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.
Abbott Nutrition similarly initiated a recall of its baby formula appearing under the Similac brand in 2022 due to faulty bottle caps leading to spoilage, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.