Alert: Additional Baby Formula Recall Due To Potential Bacterial Cross-Contamination
Key Takeaways:
- Reckitt has recalled 145,000 cans of its Enfamil ProSobee formula due to potential cross-contamination with the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii.
- No illnesses have been reported as a result of the baby formula in question. The recall serves as a preventative safety measure.
- The recalled product is the 12.9-ounce can of the said formula produced between August and September 2022, with specific identification codes. Consumers are advised to dispose of or return these products.
- Other ProSobee products or any other products from Reckitt are unaffected by this recall.
- Cronobacter infections can be highly lethal in infants, often associated with powdered formula. Increased surveillance for the bacterium in infant formula by the FDA is underway.
A fresh wave of concern rushes over parents as an additional brand of infant formula undergoes recall. The formula manufacturer, Reckitt recalled145,000 cans of its Enfamil ProSobee formula. The fear stems from a potential cross-contamination with a bacteria known as Cronobacter sakazakii.
Safety Precautions and Company’s Announcement
The company associated the underlying safety concern with materials sourced from a third party. Tests carried out for the said bacteria returned negative results. However, the recall was established as a safety measure. As of now, there are no reported illnesses due to the baby formula in question.
In a statement, the company shared that it has executed appropriate corrective steps, including cutting ties with the supplier of the controversial material.
Specifics of the Recalled Formula
The recall implicates 12.9-ounce cans of the formula, produced between August and September 2022. Consumers can look for a use-by date of March 1, 2024, and the identification codes ZL2HZF or ZL2HZZ at the bottom of the can.
The distribution of the recalled formula spanned the United States territory, reaching Guam and Puerto Rico. If consumers have these cans, they are advised to either dispose of them or return them to their original retail locations for refunds.
Other Products Unaffected
It’s important to note that the recall does not impact other ProSobee products or any other products from Reckitt.
Previous Incidents
Last year, four infants faced health issues, out of which two sadly did not survive in three different states. These incidents were connected to Cronobacter infections. All four infants consumed powdered formula created by Abbott Inc. at their Michigan manufacturing plant. Despite findings of Cronobacter at the Abbott plant, genetic testing revealed that the bacteria at the Abbott facility didn’t line up with that which affected the infants.
Nevertheless, the discovery of Cronobacter forced the Abbott plant’s closure and triggered a national formula shortage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to heighten the surveillance of infant formula for the bacterium in question.
Potential Risks
Cronobacter infections can be extremely lethal for infants, especially newborns. This bacteria is known to survive in the environment. In the case of infants, the infection often involves powdered formula.
More Information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers additional information on Cronobacter.
