Voluntary Recall for Infant Formula Due to Possible Bacterial Contamination

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Contemporary Pediatrics.

Select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for dietary management of cow’s milk allergy (CMA), have been voluntarily recalled in the US market by Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) because of a possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, according to a news release from the company.¹

The recall was initiated after a potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii in a product that was sampled outside of the United States.¹ Over 675,000 cans of formula were voluntarily recalled, and all product in question went through testing by MJN, which revealed a negative result for the bacteria.^1,2

Further, no illness or adverse consumer reactions have been reported as of December 30, 2023.¹

Recalled batches that have been distributed in the United States include:

• ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
• ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)

The cans have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and include a “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025,” according to MJN. The 12.6 and 19.8 oz containers were manufactured in June 2023 and distributed primarily in June, July, and August 2023.¹

MJN stated in the press release, “it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed,” based on the limited availability of the remaining stock of the specialized formula.¹

The formula was distributed through retail stores on a nationwide scale. No other US-distributed Nutramigen batches or other Reckitt products have been impacted by this recall, the company stated.¹

Cronobacter bacteria can result in severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis. Poor feeding, temperature changes, irritability, jaundice, grunting breaths, and abnormal movements could be symptoms of sepsis and meningitis.¹

Infection could also cause bowel damage that could spread through the blood to other parts of the body.¹

Consumers who have purchased the impacted cans of formula should dispose of the formula and contact MJN (phone:866-534-9986; email: consumer.relations@rb.com) for a full refund.

References

1. Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition voluntarily recalls select batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula powder because of possible health risk. FDA. Press release. December 31, 2023. Accessed January 2, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/reckittmead-johnson-nutrition-voluntarily-recalls-select-batches-nutramigen-hypoallergenic-infant
2. Kounang, N. Reckitt/Mead Johnson voluntarily recalls specialty infant formula due to possible bacterial infection. CNN. December 31, 2023. Accessed January 2, 2024. https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/31/business/reckitt-mead-johnson-recalls-specialty-infant-formula/index.html