Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder Recalled
This latest baby formula recall involves more than 675,000 cans due to the possibility of contamination.
FDA / Jasmine Purdie for Parents
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Parents and caregivers are starting 2024 off with a new baby formula recall. On December 31, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of a certain Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder. This is because the formula may have gotten contaminated by the pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii.
You may recognize that term because it is often associated with baby formula recalls. The pathogen is found naturally in the environment but it can get into manufacturing facilities and your home via hands, shoes, and other contaminated surfaces.
In some cases, Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe infections or even meningitis. Cronobacter infections could also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and could cause bowel damage.
"We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety and it is for this reason that we have taken this measure," Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition says in a press release posted on the FDA's website. "The health and safety of infants is our highest priority. All of our products undergo rigorous and industry-leading quality tests and checks to ensure that they meet or exceed all standards set by regulatory bodies."
675,000 Cans of Nutramigen Infant Formula Recalled
This specific type of Nutramigen formula is used by babies who have allergies to cow's milk, making it a specialty formula. The FDA says luckily, there haven't been any illnesses reported in connection with the recall.
Officials say it is likely most of the product distributed in the U.S. has already been used because of the limited amount of remaining stock.
The issue was first detected by the Israeli Ministry of Health, which notified the FDA on December 14, 2023, that the formula had tested positive for Cronobacter. The formula had been imported from a Mead Johnson facility in Zeeland, Michigan, and was tested during routine sampling.
That's when the FDA launched its own investigation, initiating an inspection at the Zeeland facility, and collecting environmental samples. Officials also tested samples of the formula from the same batch that was sent to Israel.
At the same time, Israel initiated further testing on the sample, which confirmed its findings. Israeli health officials notified the FDA on December 28. One day later, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition agreed to the voluntary recall of 675,030 cans.
The FDA doesn't believe this recall will have a big impact on the formula supply or availability.
How Do I Know if My Formula Is Affected?
The affected Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder comes in 12.6 and 19.8-ounce cans. It was manufactured in June 2023 and was distributed between June and August 2023 at stores across the country.
Parents and caregivers who use this type of formula for their babies should check the batch codes to see if their formula is being recalled.
The batch codes affected are:
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)
All of the products have the UPC code 300871239418 or 300871239456 and a use-by date of January 1, 2025.
The recall does not affect any Nutramigen liquid formulas or any other Reckitt products.
What Should I Do if I Have The Recalled Formula?
If you have any of the cans affected by the recall in your cabinet, make sure to stop using it and throw it away. You can contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a refund.
The company can be reached by calling 866-534-9986. This phone line is being monitored 24 hours a day/seven days a week. You can also email at consumer.relations@rb.com.
If your baby has already consumed this formula and you have concerns, you should reach out to a pediatrician or health care provider. You can also speak with them about substitute infant formulas available for babies who have allergies to cow's milk.
What Is the FDA Doing About Infant Formula Recalls?
Since the major infant formula recall and subsequent shortage in 2021 and 2022, the FDA has taken several steps to boost the safety of powdered infant formula. It has adopted a national strategy to prevent Cronobacter contamination, enhanced inspections, and increased conversations with infant formula manufacturers. When necessary, the FDA has also sought regulatory action.
The FDA has also sent a letter to all parties involved in the production and distribution of powdered infant formula to keep them updated on safety information. Officials have also called on the industry to make sure they are improving their processes in order to protect babies.
According to an FDA news release, "The agency remains committed to helping ensure an adequate supply of infant formula and giving consumers the utmost confidence that infant formula available in the U.S. is safe and nutritious."
Related: AAP Includes Goat Milk-Based Products in Infant Formula Recommendations
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