BABY formula has been recalled over fears it’s contaminated with dangerous bacteria.
Cronobacter sakazakii can cause a fever and diarrhoea, and in severe cases even trigger seizures, meningitis and sepsis.
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Manufacturer Reckitt said it had pulled three of its powders from shelves as a “precautionary measure” after an “isolated overseas sample” tested positive for the bug.
The recall applies to:
- Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Formula 400g – ZL3F7D (best before July 1, 2025)
- Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula 400g – ZL3FAA (best before July 1, 2025)
- Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula 400g – ZL3FDM (best before July 1, 2025)
The products are available both with and without a prescription from high street and online pharmacies.
Parents should stop using them immediately and return them to the pharmacy that dispensed them while a “thorough investigation” is carried out, Reckitt said.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment.
Falling ill from it is rare, but infections can be deadly, especially to newborns, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Milder symptoms include a fever, excessive crying, very low energy, diarrhoea, and poor feeding, but it can be far more serious.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned: “Symptoms caused by Cronobacter sakazakii usually include fever and diarrhoea.
“In severe cases, it may lead to sepsis or meningitis, which include symptoms in infants including poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes) and abnormal breaths and movements.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, while meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Combined, they kill tens of thousands of people in the UK every year.
The CDC adds that seizures can also occur in babies with Cronobacter sakazakii, as well as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Tots younger than two months old, born prematurely or with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
The FSA said: “If you have purchased or been prescribed any of the above product batches, do not feed it to your baby and return to the place of purchase.”
Seek medical advice if your baby seems unwell.
How to protect your baby from Cronobacter sakazakii
Breastfeed if you can
Very few cases of infections are reported among infants fed only breast milk.
Clean, sanitise and store feeding items safely
It is easy for germs to grow quickly if you add milk to a partially used bottle or one that has only been rinsed, not deep cleaned.
Ensure you carefully clean, sanitise and store feeding items (such as baby bottles, breast pump parts, nipples, caps, rings and valves), as well as dummies and teethers, that may enter a baby’s mouth.
Keep hands and surfaces clean
Before preparing and feeding, remember to clean surfaces like countertops and sinks with soap and water.
Also wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
This should be done every time you touch your baby’s mouth, touch dummies or anything else that might go in their mouth, and go to the toilet or change a nappy.
Prepare and store your formula safely
Powdered formula is more likely to carry germs, so use liquid formula if you can.
But never heat your baby’s milk in the microwave as this warms it unevenly and can burn your baby’s mouth and throat. Instead, place it under warming running water.
If you use powdered formula, follow the steps above to avoid making your little one sick.
Also, never put the formula scoop on the counter, in the sink or on any other surface, and make sure it always stays dry.
In most cases, it is safe to mix powdered infant formula following the manufacturer’s instructions on the container.
But if your baby is at higher risk, consider taking extra steps to prepare your powdered formula with hot water (at least 70C).
Always use prepared formula within one hour from the start of feeding, and two hours of preparing.
If you do not plan to start feeding your baby with the prepared formula right away, it should go in the fridge immediately.
Always use refrigerated formula within 24 hours.
Source: CDC