Nutramigen powder baby formula recalled for fear of bacterial contamination

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) on Sunday recalled some batches of its Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder, a product marketed toward infants with milk allergies.

The recall affects Nutramigen Powder 12.6 and 19.8 ounce cans sold in the United States.

MJN said in an announcement that the recall was due to a "possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii."

The recall was triggered by a sample outside the United States — according to the company, "all product in question went through extensive testing by MJN and tested negative for the bacteria."

The recalled product was manufactured in June and distributed between June and August.

"Based on the limited availability of the remaining stock of this special infant formula, it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed. There are no reports of illnesses or adverse events to date," reads the company's announcement.

MJN posted product batch codes for the affected cans, which have a "use by" date of Jan. 1, 2025.

According to the announcement, MJN will issue a total refund to consumers who purchased the recalled cans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cronobacter sakazakii can contaminate baby formula at processing centers or in homes.

The CDC recommends breastfeeding, sanitization of bottles and other feeding items, washing hands and surfaces, and proper storage of formula to avoid contamination.

Babies younger than 2 months, premature babies and babies with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable to the bacteria, which can cause meningitis.