The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) this week (January 3) said that manufacturer Reckitt had recalled two infant formula powders as a “precautionary step” because of the “possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii”.
The affected products - Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders - are foods used for “special medical purposes” for infants that are mainly prescribed but are also available without a prescription, it added.
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The FSA warned that symptoms caused by Cronobacter sakazakii usually include fever and diarrhoea and in severe cases may lead to sepsis or meningitis.
Reckitt has contacted all stores and pharmacies that are supplying these products and issued a recall notice to its customers, it added.
“Thorough investigation”
The Reckitt recall notice, shared by the FSA, said that the recall was “due to an isolated overseas sample of the product testing positive for Cronobacter sakazakii” and will take place while the manufacturer continues to “conduct a thorough investigation”.
It warned patients not to use the batches but to return them to the pharmacy that dispensed them.
“At Reckitt, we are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and the health and safety of infants is our highest priority,” it added.
A Reckitt spokesperson stressed that the manufacturer's own testing did not identify any positive results for the bacteria but that the voluntary recall is a result of possible contamination in product sampled by an independent party outside the U.S.
Affected products
The products being recalled are:
Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Formula
- Pack size: 400g
- Batch code: ZL3F7D
- Best before: 01 July 2025
Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula
- Pack size: 400g
- Batch code: ZL3FAA
- Best before: 01 July 2025
Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula
- Pack size: 400g
- Batch code: ZL3FDM
- Best before: 01 July 2025
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Reckitt’s recall notice confirmed that “no other batches of Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 and stage 2 are affected and these remain safe to use”.
“No other Nutramigen products in the range are affected”, it added.
C+D approached Reckitt for comment.
