Nutramigen infant formula recall hits the US

Nutramigen, a specialty formula used to treat cow’s milk allergy (CMA), may have been contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, according to FDA.

Scott Miller, Staff writer

January 3, 2024

1 Min Read
Woman mixing infant formula

At a Glance

  • Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of its Nutramigen products in 12.6- and 19.8-ounce cans.
  • Cronobacter contamination can result in sepsis, meningitis and damage to other parts of the body.
  • So far, all products thought to be contaminated have tested negative, and no illnesses have been reported.

On Dec. 31, 2023, FDA announced a voluntary recall of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder in 12.6- and 19.8-ounce cans by Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition due to possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. While this recall only affects product distributed in the United States, Reckitt will also be contacting authorities in other countries where it was distributed. 

Nutramigen is a specialty formula used to manage cow’s milk allergy (CMA). Cronobacter bacteria can cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection, or meningitis, an inflammation of cranial and spinal membranes. Symptoms in infants include poor feeding, irritability, temperature fluctuations, jaundice, difficulty breathing and abnormal movements. Infection may also cause bowel damage and spread to other parts of the body. 

To date, no products have tested positive for contaminants, no illnesses have been reported and no other products from Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition have been identified as affected. The products in question were manufactured in June 2023 and distributed in June, July and August 2023. Much of the formula has reportedly been consumed without adverse health effects. 

The recalled batches are: 

  • ZL3FHG (12.6-ounce cans) 

  • ZL3FMH (12.6-ounce cans) 

  • ZL3FPE (12.6-ounce cans) 

  • ZL3FQD (12.6-ounce cans) 

  • ZL3FRW (19.8-ounce cans) 

  • ZL3FXJ (12.6-ounce cans) 

Related:FDA finds ‘extremely high’ levels of lead in cinnamon-tainted applesauce pouches

The products also have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and use by date of Jan. 1, 2025, which can be found on the labels and on the bottom of the cans. 

Concerned parents should consult with their pediatrician, but they can also contact Reckitt at (866) 534-9986 or [email protected] for a possible refund. 

About the Author(s)

Scott Miller

Staff writer, Food & Beverage Insider

Scott Miller brings two decades of experience as a writer, editor, and communications specialist to Food & Beverage Insider. He’s done a little of everything, from walking a beat as a freelance journalist to taking the Big Red Pen to massive technical volumes. He even ran a professional brewing industry website for several years, leveling up content delivery during an era when everyone had a blog.

Since starting at Food & Beverage Insider, he’s written pieces on the price of greenwashing (and how to avoid it), debunked studies that served little to no purpose (other than upsetting the public) and explained the benefits of caffeine alternatives, along with various other stories on trends and events.

Scott is particularly interested in how science, technology and industry are converging to answer tomorrow’s big questions about food insecurity, climate change and more.

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