Another baby formula recalled for possible cronobacter bacterial contamination
Five batches of another baby formula, ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, have been recalled because of possible cronobacter bacterial contamination.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall announced Sunday.
What is cronobacter?
“Cronobacter” likely sounds familiar to parents of infants and young toddlers because cronobacter and salmonella out of Abbott Nutrition were linked to two infant deaths earlier this year. The ensuing mass recall of Abbott-produced baby formula turned into a national shortage while also exposing the large market share held by a single manufacturer.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cronobacter germ “can live in very dry places,” which is why it’s found in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula.
“Cronobacter infections are often very serious for babies; they can die,” the CDC says. “Cronobacter infection can also be very serious for older people and people whose bodies have trouble fighting germs, like people with HIV, organ transplants, or cancer.”
Symptoms of infection listed by ByHeart include bad appetite, bowel problems, skin and whites of the eyes getting yellowed (jaundice), irritability, “grunting breaths and abnormal movements.”
What baby formula is recalled and why?
ByHeart is recalling five batches of 24-ounce containers of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 0-12 Months. Batch numbers involved are 22273 C1; 22276 C1; 22277 C1; 22278 C1; and 22280 C1 with use by dates of 01 JAN 24 or 01JUL 24. The batch numbers and use by dates can be found on the bottom of the can.
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ByHeart said a test sample from the third-party facility that handles the formula’s final canning came back positive for cronobacter.
“All product packaged that day, and the first production on the next day, was isolated for destruction and not distributed,” the company-written, FDA-posted recall notice said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are now recalling all product produced during the entire production run.”
ByHeart says no formula itself has tested positive for cronobacter.
What you should do now
Stop using the baby formula. Reach out to ByHeart by emailing notices@byheart.com or texting ByHeart at 909-506-2354. The recall alert says ByHeart will replace the formula consumers bought with two cans of another formula and “affected customers will receive two cans of their next order of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Formula for free.”
If your child seems sick after having this formula, see a medical professional first. If the medical professional thinks the illness is linked to the formula, let the FDA know via its MedWatch Adverse Event page or by filling out a form you can get by calling 800-332-1088. Then, notify ByHeart.
This story was originally published December 12, 2022 at 8:51 AM.
