Gerber baby formula recalled over potential bacteria contamination

Gerber is voluntarily recalling powdered infant formula over a possible bacteria contamination.

The affected products, which were manufactured at a facility in Eau Claire, Wis., are “being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to potential presence of cronobacter sakazakii,” Perrigo Company announced.

The types of formula are all under Gerber’s Good Start Infant Formula brand and were manufactured between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18. Specifically Good Start SoothePro products in 12.4-ounce, 30.6-ounce and 19.4-ounce cans with a July 2024 use-by date are subject to the recall.

No illnesses have been reported and none of the distributed products have tested positive for cronobacter sakazakii, the company said, but anyone who purchased the formula after March 5 should be especially vigilant.

Cronobacter sakazakii is the same bacterial that led to the recall of plant-based Enfamil powdered infant formula in February.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, cronobacter sakazakii is common and thrives in dry foods.

When infants and children under age 12 come into contact with the bacteria, the result can be a life-threatening infection if it goes untreated. Babies under 2 months old, premature babies, children with weakened immune systems and kids with a low birth weight are especially at risk, the FDA said.

The infection can cause fever and seizures. A child should be examined by a healthcare provider as soon as possible if an infection is suspected.

The infection is relatively rare, however. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention receives around four reports a year, but that may not fully reflect how many people become ill in a given year.

Customers who want a refund can contact the Gerber Parent Resource Center at 1-800-777-7690.

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