UK – Reckitt Benckiser, a London-listed consumer goods company, has initiated a recall of a batch of Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 hypoallergenic infant-formula powders in the UK.
The recall, prompted by the possible presence of cronobacter sakazakii, was announced by the UK’s Food Standard Agency (FSA), urging customers not to use the product and to return it to the pharmacy.
The company termed the recall a precautionary measure following the detection of cronobacter sakazakii in an isolated overseas sample.
The affected products, sold in 400g cans with a “best before” date of July 1, 2025, could pose health risks such as fever and diarrhea, with severe cases potentially leading to sepsis or meningitis, according to the FSA.
Reckitt Benckiser, through its Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) unit, had previously issued a voluntary recall of certain Nutramigen-branded formula products in the United States on December 30, 2023.
The recall was based on a precautionary approach, as tests carried out by MJN yielded negative results for cronobacter sakazakii.
No illnesses or adverse reactions were reported, and the recall did not affect Nutramigen liquid formula and other nutrition products.
The recall in the US involved foods used for special medical purposes for infants, with the Enfamil brand of Nutramigen Powder designed for children with an allergy to cow’s milk.
This recall follows a major infant-formula shortage in the US in 2022, which prompted recalls and drew attention to the vulnerabilities of relying on the commercial milk formula industry for infant nutrition.
Reckitt Benckiser had played a role in addressing the 2022 shortage, along with other major infant-formula producers.
However, challenges persist in the industry, with ongoing recalls due to contamination fears, impacting supply levels and contributing to price fluctuations.
In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned that infant formula prices had increased by 25% over the past two years, putting a strain on families’ budgets and leading to a growing reliance on food and baby banks for support.
The recurring recalls and price hikes have prompted concerns about the industry’s management practices, with the FDA issuing warnings to major baby formula producers for not adhering to established protocols.
The implications of these challenges are felt not only in the health and safety of infant nutrition but also in the economic burden placed on families seeking affordable and reliable baby formula options.
