Got Gerber baby formula in your pantry? Check for these lots codes if you live in KY
A batch of Gerber baby formula was shipped to eight U.S. states — including Kentucky — even after it was recalled for possibly containing a bacteria known to cause serious infections in infants.
According to CNN, the batch was sent to a wholesale distributor in Nashville before it was shipped to grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.
This happened even after the initial recall notice March 17, according to a company news release shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Here’s what to know about the recall and how it could affect Kentuckians.
Which baby formula product has been recalled?
Certain lots of Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula were voluntarily recalled March 17, according to the company’s news release. These batches were manufactured at the Perrigo Company’s facility in Eau Claire, Wis., from Jan. 2 to Jan. 18, 2023.
The product was recalled “out of an abundance of caution” due to possibly containing cronobacter sakazakii, the release said.
How can I tell if my baby formula is safe?
You bought this particular product, you should check the can for the following lot codes and use by dates, per the release:
- 300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
- 300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
- 300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
- 300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
- 300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
- 300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
- 301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
- 301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
- 301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024
If your formula has one of the matching codes, stop using the product and throw it away immediately.
You can request a refund by calling the Gerber Parent Resource Center at 1-800-777-7690, the company said.
What is cronobacter sakazakii and why is it harmful to infants?
Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria naturally found in the environment, like in your yard, kitchen or living room. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can trigger serious infections and resulting complications.
These infections affect the bloodstream and nervous system, according to the CDC, and can include sepsis and meningitis. Complications can result in brain abscess, developmental delays, motor impairments and death.
Symptoms of the bacteria to watch out for include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths or abnormal body movements, per the CDC.
The groups most at risk are infants younger than 2 months old, babies born premature or with low birth weights or those with weakened immune systems. However, all people with immune issues are at increased risk, regardless of age, the CDC said.
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