Infant Formula Recalled Due to Meningitis-Causing Bacteria

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has issued a recall for select batches of Enfamil baby formula after discovering that the product may have been contaminated with life-threatening bacteria.

Life-Threatening Bacteria

Cronobacter is a bacteria that can be life-threatening to infants under one year old. Illness from Cronobacter can cause symptoms like poor feeding and fever, excessive crying, or low energy, according to the Food and Drug Administration. They say babies presenting with these symptoms should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect 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 may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body. - FDA

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Sepsis and Meningitis Can Occur with Cronobacter Infections

For infants under two years old, the bacteria can get into the blood causing sepsis. It also can cause inflammation and swelling of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The swelling of these tissues is known as meningitis. There are several types of meningitis, however bacterial meningitis, like the kind caused by Cronobacter can be deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Babies with meningitis may develop serious, long-lasting problems in their brains. A recent report estimates that approximately 20% of infants with meningitis or bloodstream infections due to Cronobacter in the United States have died (Strysko, 2020). Worldwide, approximately 40% of infants reported to have Cronobacter meningitis or bloodstream infections have died (Strysko, 2020). -CDC

Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powder Recalled

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has issued a recall for select batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powder infant formula sold under the Enfamil brand in both 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans that were manufactured in June 2023 and then distributed "primarily" during the months of June, July, and August to retailers nationwide, including in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. According to the FDA, the affected batch numbers are listed below.

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)

FDA

Recall UPCs and "Use By Date"

The recalled formula products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”.

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, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. - Enfamil

Dispose of Any Recalled Product Immediately

The FDA advises that consumers should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number matches one of the ones listed above. Products that include the matching batch codes should be disposed of any remaining product, or consumers can contact Enfamil for a total refund by calling 866-534-9986 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com. For additional information, you can visit Enfamil.com.