Reckitt Recalls Nutramigen Infant Formula for Bacterial Contamination

Closing out the year, Reckitt, which owns Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN), voluntarily recalled six batches of Nutramigen Powder, an infant formula sold under the Enfamil brand, on December 31, 2023. The company reported that a risk of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii prompted the recalls.

This recall rounds out a year-long cycle of infant formula recalls that have contributed to supply chain shortages and compromised infant health and nutrition.

According to the announcement from Reckitt and MJN, which was published on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, none of the samples tested by MJN were actually contaminated; however, the company is cautiously recalling the product due to contamination reports outside of the US.

The original investigation into this formula began when the Israeli Ministry of Health sent a notice to the FDA identifying a contaminated sample during their routine border sampling.

Although the FDA investigation into the contaminants has not concluded, Reckitt and MJN have voluntarily recalled over 675,000 cans of Nutramigen. Cans with the following batch 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)

Consumers are advised to dispose of the affected cans or contact the company for a refund.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a Gram-negative, coliform bacteria that can survive in arid environments, including dry food such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. The bacteria is known to enter the bloodstream, causing infections such as meningitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Cronobacter infections pose the greatest threat to infants under two months old, born prematurely, or those with weakened immune systems, as they are most likely to develop meningitis from the infection.

In infants, Cronobacter infection is characterized by fever, poor feeding, excessive crying, and lethargy. Once Cronobacter has entered the bloodstream and causes meningitis, the risk of death increases significantly.

The CDC reports that approximately 20% of infants in the US who have Cronobacter-related meningitis or bloodstream infections will die. Globally, that statistic doubles to 40%.

With multiple Cronobacter-related infant formula recalls and subsequent formula shortages, consumers and healthcare providers must remain vigilant and monitor recalls on the FDA website.