Pennsylvania Senator sends letter demanding details of baby formula recall

A baby formula recall has drawn the attention of a member of the United States Senate.

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey sent a letter Friday to formula manufacturer Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition who recalled batches of their baby formula, Nutramigen Powder, at the end of 2023 due to possible bacterial contamination.

"Fortunately, there have been no reports of illness, this news is alarming to parents and caregivers whose infants rely on this formula, and to families still reeling from the shortages and supply problems of the last two years," the letter, first reported on by The19th, reads.

Nutramigen is used for babies with allergies to cow's milk. According to the FDA, the majority of the products covered under the recall have been consumed without reports of illness.

Product recall database:Comprehensive info on the latest product recalls

Casey letter asks for recall specifics:

In the letter, addressed to Susan Sholtis the President Nutrition for Reckitt, Casey asked the company five specific things, which are listed verbatim below:

1. Has the facility where the formula was produced ceased production of Nutramigen during the FDA’s inspection? 
2. Are there other infant formulas produced at the same facility as the recalled infant formula, and if so, will their supply be compromised in any way due to the ongoing inspection by the FDA? 
3. What impact will this recall have on the domestic supply of Nutramigen? Do you expect to see spot shortages, regional shortages, or shortages for WIC families in the states where you are the WIC provider? 
4. Is Nutramigen Powder, or other forms of Nutramigen such as ready-to-feed bottles, produced at any additional facilities? Are those facilities located in the United States or in foreign countries? If needed, do they have the ability to increase production to meet demand? 
5. What steps are you taking to mitigate future contamination of powdered infant formula during production and packaging? 

The letter requested that answers be submitted in writing by January 19.

What are the batch codes for the affected cans of infant formula?

The batches of formula in question can be identified by the batch code on the bottom of the can.

The following recalled product batch codes and can size associated with each batch were distributed in the U.S.:

• 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)

The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “use by date” of Jan. 1, 2025.

What to do if you purchased impacted infant formula

Consumers who purchased Nutramigen should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected.

Products with the batch codes listed above should be disposed of, according to the FDA. Consumers can contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a total refund at 866-534-9986 or by email at [email protected].

According to the FDA, parents with questions should consult with their pediatrician.

What is Cronobacter sakazakii?

Cronobacter is a germ found naturally in the environment, according to the CDC, and can live in dry foods like herbal tea, starches and powdered milk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Cronobacter infections in infants less than 12 months old are often linked to powdered formula and while getting sick does not happen often, infections in infants can be deadly.

The CDC also says infants less than two months old, infants born prematurely and infants with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of getting sick from the bacteria.

Infants less than two months old are most likely to develop meningitis if they get sick from Cronobacter, the CDC says.

According to the CDC, sickness from Cronobacter in infants will usually start with a fever and poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy. Some babies may also have seizures. Babies with these symptoms should be taken to a medical provider as soon as possible.