new york –
Infant formula recalled for possible bacterial contamination has been distributed to retailers in eight states since the recall began, according to a release released this week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Perrigo recommends that the Gerber Good Start Sousse Pro be issued “with great caution” due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can cause serious or fatal infections in young children. In March, the company announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of powdered infant formula.
The recall includes Gerber Good Start Formula manufactured between January 2nd and January 18th at Perrigo’s facility in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. According to the March 17 recall notice, the recalled formula was sold in three different sizes at retailers nationwide.
However, Associated Wholesale Grocers has distributed 12.4 oz.
As a result, the recalled products were distributed to supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Associated Wholesale Grocers.
Wholesalers are urging consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start Formula in the affected areas to check their products. Recalled formulas sold after the recall began can be identified by lot code and “use by” date (July 4, 2024 through July 12, 2024).
Associated Wholesale Grocers’ Saturday notice read, “Consumers who purchase products with matching codes must discontinue use and dispose of the product,” adding that consumers will receive Gerber Parent He added that a refund can be requested by contacting the Resource Center.
In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Perigot said the company notified all customers during the recall in March.
The company added that “no Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria have been detected in the products distributed for sale and no adverse events have been reported.”
Affiliated wholesale grocers did not respond to requests for comment.
Infections with Cronobacter sakazakii are rare but can be life-threatening for newborns, writes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noting that the bacterium can cause sepsis and meningitis. .
Cronobacter sakazakii was the same fungus that caused Abbott Nutrition’s recall following last year’s nationwide infant formula shortage. According to the FDA and CDC, Cronobacter sakazukii occurs naturally in the environment and is “especially good” at surviving in dry foods such as baby formula that can be contaminated in homes and processing facilities. .
“There are steps people can take to prevent infection,” Dr. Julia Huston, a CDC pediatric infectious disease specialist, previously told The Associated Press. This includes thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding an infant. .
