Certain baby formulas have been affected by recalls for possible bacterial contamination and other concerns. Here's what parents need to know about recent infant formula recalls and how to feed your baby safely.
Formula recall for elevated vitamin D levels
As of August 8, 2024, Perrigo Company
recalled 16,500 cans of store brand Infant Premium formula milk-based powder with iron that contains too much vitamin D. The recalled formula was shipped to H-E-B Grocery Co. in Texas and CVS stores in 12 states.
While babies need
vitamin D, especially for bone health and development, too much can be harmful.
Routine product testing found that vitamin D levels in the recalled formula were higher than the maximum allowed. There were no ill effects reported in babies who drank the formula. For most infants, short-term consumption of the recalled formula is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. But for babies with health problems such as impaired renal (kidney) function), the formula could cause health problems.
If you may have purchased the recalled formula, look for the lot codes and use by dates on the bottom of the package.
Formula recall for
Cronobacter bacteria
As of June 4, 2024, these
brands of powdered baby formula distributed by Dairy Manufacturers Inc. were recalled:
CRECELAC INFANT Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula with Iron, 0 to 12 months - Net Wt. 12.4 oz (352g)
Farmalac BABY Powdered Infant Formula with Iron 0 to 12 months Net Wt. 12.4 oz (352g)
Farmalac BABY Powdered Infant Formula with Iron Low Lactose 0 to 12 months Net Wt. 12.4 oz (352g)
Test samples of these formulas were found to contain Cronobacter bacteria, which can cause infants to become seriously ill.
Check the
product codes on the bottom of the formula containers , or contact the company at 1-972-347-2341.
If your child is experiencing poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, or abnormal body movements after consuming the recalled baby formula, see a health care provider for immediate care.
Check the
product codes on the bottom of the containers, or contact the company at 1-972-347-2341.
How can
Cronobacter make my baby sick?
Infant formula contaminated with
Cronobacter may not smell or look spoiled but can still make babies very sick. The same is true for contamination with
Salmonella, another bacteria that has prompted baby formula recalls in recent years.
Cronobacter can cause a severe, life-threatening infection called
sepsis. It can also cause meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability,
temperature changes,
jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements.
Cronobacter infection can also cause bowel damage.
Salmonella can cause stomach and intestinal illness including severe diarrhea, which can quickly cause
dehydration in babies. More severe cases of
Salmonella infection may include a high
fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash and
blood in the urine or stool.
What should I do if my baby's infant formula is recalled?
If your formula is recalled,
immediately stop feeding it to your baby. Do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should check the Food and Drug Administration
recalls/safety alert webpage for instructions. You may be required to take the recalled formula to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company to help you. If you are receiving
WIC benefits, you should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula but if there is any problem, call your WIC office for advice and assistance.
Do I need to talk to my pediatrician if I switch to a different baby formula?
This is a good idea, but for many formulas you can switch to a similar product made by another company including store brand formulas. Make sure to check the formula cans carefully;
mixing instructions (how much water and formula to add to the bottle) can be different for different formula brands.
Can bacteria spread in other ways when I'm feeding my baby?
Yes,
Cronobacter and
Salmonella bacteria can be found in unclean baby feeding supplies and in the environment, including unclean counter tops. Always follow
good safety practices when preparing infant formula for your infant.
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