The maker of Enfamil has recalled 145,000 cans of infant formula over potential health risks with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii, the same germ that forced an Abbott recall and nationwide formula shortage last year.
Enfamil infant formula recall over potential bacterial contamination
Reckitt, the maker of the Enfamil brand and one of the main formula manufacturers in the US, has launched a mass recall due to concerns of potential cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.
The recall covers two batches of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula, about 145,000 12.9-ounce cans of formula manufactured between August and September and distributed to stores across the US, Guam and Puerto Rico. The affected products have a use-by date of March 1, 2024, on the bottom, along with the codes ZL2HZF or ZL2HZZ, CNN reported.
The recall is voluntary, and Reckitt said no illnesses have been reported. The company says all the batches have tested negative for the bacteria, calling its discovery “an isolated situation,” NPR reported. Reckitt added that parents who have any concerns should contact their pediatrician or the company for more information.
Nonetheless, Reckitt urges anyone who purchased the affected product to either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“After a thorough investigation, we have identified the root cause, which was linked to a material from a third party,” Reckitt said. “We have taken all appropriate corrective actions, including no longer sourcing this material from the supplier.”
Abbott recall over same bacteria caused a nationwide shortage last year
The bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii is the same that forced the Abbott Nutrition formula recalls that contributed to a nationwide shortage of baby formula last year. Abbott Nutrition manufactures the brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare
Abbott nutrition voluntarily recalled its powdered baby formula Similac PM 60/40 last year after an infant died and tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, NPR reported last March. It was followed by an FDA caution.
In February, Abbott voluntarily recalled certain formulas manufactured at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
FDA launches internal review to determine root cause of shortage
Last September, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed an internal review, and listed more than a dozen factors as contributing to the national baby formula shortage in 2022. The FDA report stated it could not find a “single action” to explain why the formula crisis occurred.
However, as part of the internal report, Steven M. Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, identified five major areas in need of review, one of which was a better scientific understanding of Cronobacter sakazakii, the bacteria that cause the shortage.
