Baby formula recalled over fears of contamination with deadly bacteria
A baby formula brand has urgently recalled some of its products over fears of contamination with dangerous bacteria.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has warned parents not to use a specially-made formula for infants with an allergy to cow’s milk, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Thousands of tins of Nutramigen powder have been voluntarily recalled by the company in the UK and the US because they could contain the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii.
The bacteria can cause life-threatening infections like sepsis and meningitis.
‘Symptoms caused by Cronobacter sakazakii usually include fever and diarrhoea,’ the FSA said.
‘And in severe cases may lead to sepsis or meningitis which include symptoms in infants including poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes) and abnormal breaths and movements.’
The recall affects three different batches of the formula in 1,400g and 2,400g cans manufactured in June 2023 that were distributed in pharmacies and shops between June and August.
An alert issued by the FSA said: ‘If you have purchased or been prescribed any of the above product batches, do not feed it to your baby and return to the place of purchase.
‘If you have any concerns about the health of your baby, please seek medical advice.’
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US said fears were raised when the Israeli Ministry of Health identified a positive finding in a routine sampling during import operations.
It said there are ‘no known illnesses associated with this product to date, and likely most of the product that was distributed in the US has already been consumed’.
A spokesman for Reckitt/Mead Johnson said: ‘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 affected batch numbers for the UK can be found here, and for the US here.
Shortly before Christmas, Asda recalled children’s drinks after metal was found in the straws, while Aldi recalled popular fragrances over fears bottles could shatter.
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