In a move that underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring infant food safety, the FDA has announced a recall of 16,500 cans of baby formula across 12 states due to potential contamination concerns.
At a glance:
- Perrigo Company recalls 16,500 cans of powdered baby formula due to elevated vitamin D levels
- Affected products sold by H-E-B grocery and CVS Health stores in 12 states
- Recall impacts H-E-B Baby Infant Premium Formula and CVS Health Infant Premium Formula
- Parents urged to check lot codes and use-by dates on formula cans
Recall Details and Affected States
The Perrigo Company, a manufacturer of store-brand baby formulas, has initiated a recall of 16,500 cans of powdered infant formula due to elevated levels of vitamin D detected during routine testing. This recall affects products sold by H-E-B grocery stores in Texas and CVS Health stores across 12 states: California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
The specific products involved in this recall are H-E-B Baby Infant Premium Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron and CVS Health Infant Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to review their baby formula supplies immediately to ensure the safety of their infants.
A voluntary recall has been issued for 16,500 cans of store-brand infant formula. https://t.co/tPIvUZxxs2
— WOOD TV8 (@WOODTV) August 12, 2024
Health Risks and Consumer Guidance
While short-term consumption of the affected formula is unlikely to cause health issues for most infants, it could pose risks for those with impaired renal function. The FDA and Perrigo Company are taking this precautionary measure to prevent any potential health risks that could arise from the affected products.
“For the vast majority of infants, short-term consumption of the affected lot codes is unlikely to cause adverse health implications. In a small subset of physiologically vulnerable infants (e.g., impaired renal function), there is the potential that consumption of the recalled product could result in health complications,” the firm stated.
Parents and caregivers are strongly urged to check the lot codes and use-by dates at the bottom of their formula packages. For CVS products, look for those shipped starting February 6, 2024, with a use-by date of November 11, 2025, and UPC code: 050428318034. H-E-B products in question were shipped starting February 2, 2024, with use-by dates of November 9, 2025, and November 11, 2025, and UPC code: 041220164578.
Broader Context and Consumer Action
This recall follows a series of issues with infant formula, including a nationwide shortage in 2022 and a larger recall earlier this year involving hundreds of thousands of cans due to potential bacterial contamination. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in consumer product safety, especially when it comes to our most vulnerable population.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discontinue use immediately and can contact Perrigo at 1-800-538-9543 for questions or concerns. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if there are any concerns about an infant’s health related to this recall.
As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our nation’s infants, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed and take prompt action when recalls are issued. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining stringent quality control measures in the production of essential infant nutrition products.
>> SEE THE FULL FDA RECALL HERE <<
