Baby Formula Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Bacterial Contamination

Reckitt, a consumer goods company, announced a recall Baby formula Products across the United States were affected by possible bacterial contamination on Sunday

According to a report by a company, two batches of ProSobee Simply Plant Based Infant Formula could have been cross-contaminated. This is a species that is often found in powdered formulas and can be potentially fatal to infants. Report The CDC. Reckitt will thus recall 145,000 cans produced between August 2022-September 2022. These cans were then distributed throughout the United States.

“We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety and it is for this reason that we have taken this extraordinary measure,” Reckitt stated in a Statement. “After a thorough investigation, we have identified the root cause, which was linked to a material from a third party. We have taken all appropriate corrective actions, including no longer sourcing this material from the supplier. The health and safety of infants is our highest priority.”

The recall comes about one year after Abbott Nutrition temporarily discontinued its products Shuttered A Sturgis baby formula facility initiated a voluntary recall. Parents and government officials were particularly concerned by the absence of EleCare, a formula that helps children with gastrointestinal problems. The White House attempted to ease the situation with “Operation Fly Formula,” The military imported baby formula from Europe through this process.

After the FDA discovered standing water, roof leaks and bacteria growths in the Abbott facility, the FDA launched the recall. Closed Between February 2022 and June 20,22. According to reports, bacterial infections had affected many babies across the country.

“We believe our voluntary recall was the right thing to do,” Rober Ford, CEO of Abbott Nutrition, said. Per The Washington Post. “We will not take risks when it comes to the health of children. The data collected during the investigation, genetic sequencing, retained product samples and available product from the four complaints did not find any connection between our products and the four reported illnesses in children. However, the FDA’s investigation did discover a bacteria in our plant that we will not tolerate.”

According to the Baby Formula Advisory Board, baby formula shortages reached their peak in July 2022 when out-of stock rates exceeded 31%. Data IRI, a market research company, shared this information with USA Today. However, supply chain bottlenecks continued to affect the availability of products: Out-of-stock rates still reached 13 percent in November 2022.

Unpredictable supply chain shocks were caused by lockdowns and public health mandates enforced worldwide by many governments. According to the International Baby Formula Association, prices for baby formula rose 15% between July 2021-2022. Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics however, inflation in product categories remained at 10.7% between December 2021 & December 2022.

Democratic officials and lawmakers assert that Corporate greed responsible for the inflationary pressures that have plagued the economy over two years. Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, warned baby formula companies not to use her services. “stop overcharging” for the few products that were available at the peak of the crisis. “It’s unconscionable that some retailers are taking advantage of the national baby formula shortage while parents are struggling to find food for their children,” She said it in a Press release.