Specialty Nutramigen formula recalled due to potential bacterial contamination

Thousands of cans of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder – a product designed for infants with a cow’s milk allergy – were recalled this weekend due to potential bacterial contamination. 

The manufacturer, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition, voluntarily issued the recall after a batch exported to Israel tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. The good news: No infants have gotten sick, and none of the U.S. samples tested positive for the bacteria. Here’s what else you need to know about this formula recall in order to keep your little one safe. 

What formula was recalled?

This latest formula recall includes 675,030 cans of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder powder sold in 12.6- and 19.8-ounce sizes. Specifically, the affected products have the following batch codes on the bottom of the cans: 

• ZL3FRW

• ZL3FPE

• ZL3FXJ

• ZL3FQD

• ZL3FMH

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• ZL3FHG 

They also have a UPC code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and a “Use By Date” of January 1, 2025.

If any Nutramigen formula you own has the batch codes listed above, throw it away and contact the company for a refund by calling 866-534-9986 or emailing consumer.relations@rb.com. 

Because this specialty formula has a limited availability, “it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed,” Reckitt states.

Talk to your pediatrician if you have any additional questions or concerns about your baby’s health. 

All other Nutramigen liquid formulas and Reckitt nutrition products are unaffected by the recall and okay to use.

Why was the formula recalled?

Reckitt recalled the formula after Israeli health authorities found Cronobacter in an exported batch of Nutramigen formula. A Mead Johnson plant in Michigan manufactured the exported batch separately from the formula made for the U.S. market, a company spokesperson told CBS. What’s more, no illnesses have been reported, and none of the U.S. products sampled tested positive for the bacteria. 

Reckitt issued the recall out of an abundance of caution because Cronobacter can cause serious health problems in babies. This bacteria can live in dry foods like powdered formula and cause dangerous blood infections (sepsis) or brain and spinal cord infections (meningitis) – especially in young, premature or immunocompromised babies. 

Cronobacter contamination has caused a slew of problems for parents recently; extensive recalls and related factory shutdowns in 2022 led to widespread formula shortages. Just last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned three formula manufacturers – including Mead Johnson – to take additional steps to prevent future contamination.

This article originally appeared on WhatToExpect.com.