In a recent press release, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition announced a voluntary recall of over 675,000 cans of its Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powdered Infant Formula Products due to potential bacterial contamination. The recall was initiated after the Israeli Ministry of Health detected the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a pathogen that can cause severe infections in infants, in the formula. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement on Sunday confirming the recall and urging consumers to stop using the affected products.
Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria commonly found in the environment, can pose a serious threat to infants under the age of one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as fever, low energy, and seizures. The affected batch numbers include ZL3FHG, ZL3FMH, ZL3FPE, ZL3FQD, ZL3FRW, and ZL3FXJ. The recalled products come in either a 12.6-ounce or 19.8-ounce can with a "use by date" of Jan. 1, 2025, and a universal product code of 300871239418 or 300871239456.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition, a New Jersey-based pediatric nutrition company, stated that the formula included in the recall was manufactured in June 2023 and primarily distributed between June and August 2023. A spokesperson for the company emphasized their commitment to the safety of infants and the responsibility they hold in providing nutrition for this vulnerable population. Despite the tests conducted by both the company and the FDA, which came back negative for the bacteria, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition decided to recall select batches of Nutramigen as a precautionary measure.
In another recent recall, the FDA issued a warning regarding WanaBana puree pouches, a popular children's food product. The FDA stated that these pouches contain "extremely high concentrations of lead," a toxic substance that can have detrimental effects on children. Lead exposure can lead to slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech issues. The recall, initially announced in October, included all apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches produced by WanaBana, regardless of their expiration date.
However, despite the recall, reports indicated that the lead-contaminated product was still available on store shelves. The FDA specifically mentioned that the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches were found in several Dollar Tree stores and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores. The agency expressed concern over the potential adverse events associated with consuming the recalled product, which had reached a total of 82 reported cases by December 26.
WanaBana's apple cinnamon puree pouches contain 50 calories per 71-gram pouch, with 12 grams of carbs, nine grams of sugars, and two grams of fiber. The flavor is currently not listed on WanaBana's website, which instead promotes other flavors like mango, kale and spinach, banana and strawberry, as well as options designed for babies. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment from The Post.
These two recalls highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of infant and children's food products. The potential risks associated with bacterial contamination and high levels of lead emphasize the need for thorough testing and strict quality control measures in the production and distribution of these products. Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are advised to stop using them immediately and either dispose of them or contact the respective companies for a refund.
