Everything Parents Need to Know About the Latest Baby Formula Recall

On December 30, 2023, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition announced a voluntary recall of certain batches of its Nutramigen Powder, according to a statement posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The formula is designed for infants with an allergy to cow’s milk.

Samples of the formula powder in another country tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening health issues. “Contamination of formula can happen during the manufacturing process when one of the ingredients is contaminated or when the powder comes into contact with a contaminated surface,” says Emily R. Smith, Sc.D., M.P.H., an associate professor at The George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.

While there’s been no trace of the bacteria found in Nutramigen in the U.S. and no illnesses were reported, the company decided to recall all formula batches that could potentially pose a problem. “We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and it is for this reason that we have taken this measure,” Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition stated.

What is Cronobacter sakazakii?

“Cronobacter is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the world around us,” says Smith. “It likes to live in dry places, so unfortunately, powdered infant formula makes a good home for it.” Powdered milk and herbal teas are also prone to Cronobacter sakazakii contamination. “Cronobacter infections can be very serious for young infants, especially those younger than two months, babies born premature or infants with a weakened immune system,” says Smith. “These infections are rare, but can cause sepsis, meningitis and death.” Poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths and abnormal movements can all be signs of sepsis or meningitis, according to the company’s statement.

What batches of Nutramigen were affected?

If you have cans of Nutramigen, look at the code on the bottom of the can. Batches with these codes are included in the recall:

• 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)

The UPC code of the products is either 300871239418 or 300871239456 and the “use by” date is “1 Jan 2025.”

What to do if you have formula that’s been recalled:

If your formula is part of the affected batches, throw it out and contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition if you would like a full refund. The company can be reached by phone at 866-534-9986 or via email at consumer.relations@rb.com. If you have any additional questions, it’s smart to contact your child’s pediatrician for guidance. Keep in mind, it's not safe to make homemade baby formula.

Bottom line: If you have any impacted products, stop using them immediately and contact your pediatrician. While supply chain hiccups, labor shortages and other formula recalls have caused huge problems in the U.S. supply of baby formula over the last few years, most issues have been resolved, so the current recall seems to be a standalone issue.

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