Enfamil Recall: 145K Cans of Baby Formula Possibly Contaminated

Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula Recall: Potential Cronobacter Contamination

The maker of Enfamil, Reckitt, has issued a voluntary recall of about 145,000 cans of infant formula due to potential contamination with the bacteria cronobacter, which can cause severe illness or death. The recall explicitly affects two batches of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula.

Understanding Cronobacter Contamination

Cronobacter is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soil, water, and other parts of the environment. It can live in dry foods like powdered milk, herbal teas, starches, and baby formula. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infant cronobacter infections can be deadly. Cronobacter typically causes fever in infants and can sometimes lead to dangerous blood infections or brain swelling.

Previous Baby Formula Recalls

Almost all previous outbreaks of cronobacter in the U.S. have been linked to powdered baby formulas, which don’t undergo the same high temperatures used to kill germs in many other foods. In 2022, a nationwide baby formula shortage was triggered by an Abbott Nutrition plant that had to be closed for months due to contamination problems. Abbott recalled various lots of three powdered infant formulas from the plant after federal officials began investigating rare bacterial infections in four babies who were fed formula. Two of the infants died.

What Is Cronobacter Contamination

Cronobacter contamination is a type of bacterial infection that can be particularly dangerous for infants. It is caused by the bacteria Cronobacter, which is naturally present in soil, water, and other parts of the environment. Cronobacter can also be found in dry foods, such as powdered milk, herbal teas, starches, and baby formula. In infants, cronobacter infection can cause fever and, in severe cases, lead to dangerous blood infections or swelling of the brain. Outbreaks of cronobacter contamination in the U.S. have typically been linked to powdered baby formulas, which do not undergo the same high-temperature processing used to kill germs in many other foods.

Affected Product Information

The recalled product is Enfamil ProSobee Powder, 12.9 ounce can, with a UPC number of 300871214415; the global batch number of ZL2HZF or ZL2HZZ; lot number of 0670975 or 0670979 and an expiration date of March 1, 2024. Consumers should check the packaging of their formula to ensure they did not purchase the recalled product.

Consumer Information and Refunds

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product can return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. They can also contact Reckitt at 1-800-479-0551 or email the company at consumer. Relations (at) rb.com for additional information. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported at this time.