On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about certain baby formulas that might be contaminated with some harmful bacteria. These bacteria could be dangerous for infants.
On May 24, Dairy Manufacturers Inc. recalled some of their products because they didn’t meet all the FDA’s rules for baby formulas. The recalled products are:
– Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat-Milk Infant Formula with Iron for babies 0 to 12 months
– Farmalac Baby Powdered Infant Formula with Iron for babies 0 to 12 months
– Farmalac Baby Powdered Infant Formula with Iron Low Lactose for babies 0 to 12 months
The company had not submitted these products for the necessary approval before selling them in the US, which is required by the FDA. These products are available in stores in Texas and possibly other places in the United States.
As part of its investigation, the FDA found Cronobacter bacteria in a sample of Crecelac formula. Although other versions of the formula were tested, no Cronobacter was found in those samples.
So far, no illnesses have been reported because of this recall. However, Cronobacter can cause serious infections in the central nervous system and the bloodstream, leading to dangerous conditions like sepsis and meningitis. In 2022, four infants got sick from Cronobacter, and two of them died, which led to a major recall of baby formula and worsened a nationwide formula shortage.
Cronobacter can cause severe health problems in infants, such as brain abscesses, motor development issues, developmental delays, and even death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Early symptoms of Cronobacter infection in infants can include:
– Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
– Abnormal body movements
– Irritability
– Poor feeding
– Changes in body temperature
The FDA is working with Dairy Manufacturers and its distributors to ensure that the recall is fully carried out. Parents and caregivers are advised not to give these specific brands to their infants. If you need goat milk infant formulas, look for options that have been approved by the FDA. It is also a good idea to talk to your health care provider about possible alternatives.
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