As parents, we all want to provide the best nutrition for our babies, and choosing the right formula is a critical decision. Over the years, there have been several recalls of infant formula due to concerns about contamination or other safety issues. In some cases, consuming certain formulas has even been linked to infant deaths. In this article, we will look at some of the formulas that have been implicated in these tragic incidents.
The Similac PM 60/40 recall
In February 2021, Abbott Laboratories announced a voluntary recall of one lot of Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula due to concerns about potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. This bacteria can cause severe infections in infants, especially those with weakened immune systems.
The recall was made after a report of the death of an infant with a Cronobacter sakazakii infection who had consumed formula from the affected lot. The FDA and other health agencies immediately launched an investigation into the incident, and Abbott Laboratories worked closely with them to identify the cause of the contamination.
The Enfamil Newborn formula recall
In December 2011, Mead Johnson Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Enfamil Newborn powdered formula due to concerns about potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. Like the Similac recall, this was prompted by a report of an infant death.
The affected formula was sold in several US states and was available in both 12.5-ounce and 22.2-ounce cans. Mead Johnson Nutrition acted quickly to recall the product and encouraged consumers who had purchased the formula to return it for a full refund.
The Nestle Good Start formula recall
In 2011, Nestle USA issued a voluntary recall of several lots of its Good Start powdered formula due to potential contamination with a bacteria called Klebsiella oxytoca. This bacteria can cause serious infections in infants, including sepsis and meningitis.
The recall was prompted by several reports of infants who had consumed the formula and subsequently developed infections. In response, Nestle USA took immediate action to recall the affected lots and encouraged consumers who had purchased the formula to return it for a full refund.
The Final Word
While it is disturbing to hear about infant deaths linked to formula, it is important to remember that such incidents are rare. The vast majority of infant formula sold in the US and around the world is safe and free from contamination.
However, it is also important to be vigilant and stay informed about any recalls or safety issues related to infant formula. As parents, we can take steps to keep our babies safe by carefully reading labels, following preparation instructions, and promptly returning any products that are subject to a recall.
Ultimately, the health and safety of our babies is our top priority, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that they receive the best possible nutrition and care. By staying informed and taking appropriate action when necessary, we can help to protect our little ones and give them the best start in life.
FAQ
What bacteria killed babies in formula?
Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that has been known to cause fatalities among babies who consume contaminated powdered infant formula. While incidences of Cronobacter infections are rare, they can have serious or even deadly consequences.
Cronobacter infections are especially dangerous for infants under two months old, as they have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to infection. The bacteria can lead to meningitis, a severe infection of the brain and spinal cord that can cause long-term developmental delays, mental retardation, and even death. Other symptoms of Cronobacter infection include sepsis, which is a life-threatening complication that can cause organ failure and death, and necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious gastrointestinal disease that can also lead to death.
Powdered infant formula can be vulnerable to contamination with Cronobacter if the hygiene and manufacturing practices are not strictly followed. The bacteria are known to survive and even multiply in dry environments such as infant formula powder, causing contamination.
To ensure safety, manufacturers of infant formula are required to follow strict regulations and guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination. These practices include the use of high-temperature processes during manufacturing, adherence to strict hygiene standards, and thorough testing to ensure the absence of harmful bacteria. Additionally, parents and caregivers should adhere to the proper storage and handling practices for infant formula, including preparing it with clean hands and using sterile bottles and utensils.
If an infant is suspected of having a Cronobacter infection, immediate medical attention should be sought. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care, but the prognosis depends on the severity of the infection and the age and overall health of the infant.
While infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, they can be deadly for infants who consume contaminated powdered infant formula. Strict adherence to hygiene and manufacturing practices by formula manufacturers, and proper storage and handling practices by parents and caregivers, is crucial to minimize the risk of contamination and prevent the spread of infections.
Is Enfamil being recalled?
Yes, on February 19, 2023, Reckitt/Mead Johnson voluntarily recalled two select batches of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Powder Infant Formula due to possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria. The affected product comes in 12.9 oz cans with lot numbers of C26EVFV and C26EVF6, and an expiration date of May 2023.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections, particularly in infants. Symptoms of infection can be fever, vomiting, and other signs of gastrointestinal distress. The bacteria can be especially dangerous for babies with weak immune systems.
The recall was initiated after a routine sampling by the company detected the potential for contamination. The company has advised consumers not to use the affected formula and to discard it immediately. Customers who have purchased the recalled product can contact the manufacturer for a refund or exchange.
It is worth noting that this is a voluntary recall, which means that the company decided independently to recall the product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet issued a recall notice for the product, though they are aware of the situation.
This is not the first time that Enfamil has been recalled due to contamination concerns. In 2011, a nationwide recall was initiated when traces of the bacteria Enterobacter sakazakii, a close relative of Cronobacter, were found in a batch of the formula.
While the recall of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Powder Infant Formula is voluntary, consumers are strongly advised to check their cans for the affected lot numbers and expiration date. If the product matches the criteria, it should be immediately discarded, and the manufacturer should be contacted for a refund or exchange. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with Cronobacter sakazakii in infants, especially in the case of suspected infection.
Is Similac safe now?
Similac is generally considered safe and recommended by pediatricians as an alternative source of nutrition when breastfeeding is not possible. However, in September 2010, certain Similac powdered formula products were recalled due to the possibility of developing tiny beetles or their larvae in the product. As a result, the recall affected about five million Similac-brand powder products sold in the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, and some Caribbean countries.
Similac manufacturers instantly responded to the situation by working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify the source of the contamination and initiate a voluntary recall. They swiftly removed all potentially affected products from store shelves and offered free exchanges of recalled products for unaffected formula to any parent who had purchased them.
If you are a worried parent, it is important to know that the recalled Similac products have been removed from stores and disposed of, so there is no longer a risk of purchasing those recalled products. Moreover, Similac has taken measures to improve and maintain their safety standards and to prevent a similar incident from happening again in the future.
The Similac products that are not part of the recall are entirely safe, and parents can keep buying them without any worries. The manufacturers of Similac are committed to the safety of their products and continue to work with the FDA to provide high-quality formula to their consumers.
While the Similac recall in 2010 caused concern for some parents, Similac is generally considered a safe source of infant nutrition. Provided that the current formula is not part of the recall, there is no need to worry unnecessarily. Formula manufacturers and the government have increased formula supplies nationwide and continue to ensure that the correct standards are met to ensure the safety of infant formula.
What baby formula was recalled recently?
Recently, the Perrigo Company, a major manufacturer and distributor of infant formula products, issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula. The recall was issued on March 17, 2023, and pertains to products manufactured at the company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023, to January 18, 2023.
The reason behind the recall was due to potential contamination with a foreign material that was not supposed to be in the formula product. The company specified that the recalled products may contain visible pieces of rubber, which pose a choking hazard to infants if ingested. Consequently, to prevent potential health risks, the company took swift action and initiated a voluntary recall of the affected products.
Parents and caregivers who have the affected Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula are advised not to feed it to their infants and to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement. The affected products include only certain lot codes and expiration dates, which can be found on the product packaging.
Furthermore, the company encourages parents and caregivers to seek advice from healthcare providers if their infant consumed the recalled formula and experienced any health-related issues. These health issues could include choking hazard, gastrointestinal irritation, foreign body reaction, and possibly more serious physical injuries.
The recall of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula is a reminder of the importance of quality assurance and safety measures in the production and distribution of infant formula products. The Perrigo Company prioritized consumer safety by taking prompt action to remove the potentially affected products from the market and encourages consumers to regularly check for any recalled products to minimize potential health risks to their infants.
