Reckitt and Mead Johnson Nutrition, creators of Enfamil and Nutramigen, announced Saturday that the company was voluntarily recalling more than 675,000 cans of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder, a specialty formula given to infants with cow’s milk allergy. This recall was issued following product sample testing outside of the U.S. and the potential detection of a bacterial contamination.
“When we were alerted in December to a potential for cross-contamination in product samples outside the U.S., both Reckitt/Mead Johnson and the US FDA tested samples from the batch in question and all tests came back negative,” a Reckitt and Mead Johnson Nutrition spokesperson told ABC News in a statement. “However, Reckitt/Mead Johnson understands the incredible responsibility we have in providing what is often the sole nutrition for infants, and there can be no short cuts for this vulnerable population – therefore, we chose to recall select batches of Nutramigen out of an abundance of caution.”
“Parents should be reassured that they can continue to feed their infants with Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition products, including other Nutramigen powder formula batches, with confidence,” the spokesperson added.
In this moment, only Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans produced in June 2023 are included in the recall. Reckitt has stated that Nutramigen’s liquid formulas and their other nutrition products are not impacted by the recall.
The infant formula cans are being recalled due to possible contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii, which is a type of bacteria that is frequently found in dry goods such as powdered milk, infant formula and herbal tea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Further, it is the same type of bacteria behind past baby and infant formula recalls, including Abbott’s recall that shut down their Sturgis, Michigan plant in 2022.
The CDC has also indicated that cronobacter sakazakii infection is rare however can prove to be especially dangerous for babies under 2 months, premature babies and babies with weakened immune systems, as well as older adults over the age of 65. Cronobacter sakazakii infections in babies can potentially result in fever, very low energy, difficulty feeding, seizures, inflammation around the brain and spinal cord, and can, in some cases, be life-threatening.
Reckitt and Mead Johnson Nutrition said they have not received any reports of illnesses to date.
— with files from abcnews.go.com
