The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put out a safety alert for certain baby formula products.
The Administration said that certain brands of formula for infants have failed to meet federal safety standards, with further investigations revealing a risk of death if some of the products are consumed.
Reason For Safety Alert
The products were originally subject to warning because of chemical imbalances recorded in them.
Some of the products were found to have elevated levels of potassium and chloride, while others had too low levels of vitamin A – posing serious health risks.
How Risky is This?
Imbalances in potassium and chloride can lead to problems with the kidney and heart.
Meanwhile, a long-term Vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision problems. However, while these issues were what sparked the initial investigation, further inquiry revealed even more serious health concerns.
Formula is Contaminated
Subsequent investigations by the FDA revealed contamination of Cronobacter bacteria in a product sold in Texas.
Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe infections in infants, such as bloodstream infections and meningitis – which can then lead to death.
What Products Are Impacted?
The products that were recalled were distributed in multiple states, but primarily Texas, and concerned the brand names Crecelac and Farmalac.
The product that was found to be contaminated with the deadly bacterium was Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Formula
Full List of Recalled Products (and Symptoms)
The products subject to the advisory are: Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat-Milk Infant Formula with Iron (0 to 12 months), Farmalac BABY Powdered Infant Formula with Iron (0 to 12 months), and Farmalac BABY Powdered Infant Formula with Iron Low Lactose (0 to 12 months).
Symptoms of Cronobacter infection in infants include irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, poor feeding and abnormal movements. If parents discover these symptoms, they should seek immediate, emergency medical attention.
Lack of Cooperation From Formula Company
Dairy Manufactures Inc, the company behind the concerned products, did not complete the required premarket notification for the Farmalac products. This is needed to prove safety and nutritional adequacy.
Parents looking for alternatives to the recalled products are advised to contact their child’s healthcare provider.
FDA Speak Out
In a statement, the FDA said they had “determined that the infant formula products listed above were sold in the U.S. illegally.”
They said this was because, “among other things, the company has not submitted to the FDA the required premarket notification.”
Rising Recall Trend
This recall is part of a broader trend of food and drink recalls increasing in recent years. Since 2018, the US has recorded a 115% increase in such recalls.
Among the products recalled in recent weeks are Charles Boggini Company sodas, Hy-Vee cream cheese spreads and cookies and cream mixes, and lead-contaminated children’s applesauce pouches.
Impact of Recalls Expands Beyond Humans
It’s not just humans who have been hit by the growing number of recalls. In May, Pedigree dry dog food was recalled over fears of loose metal in its products.
Meanwhile, In June, TDBBS recalled over 3,500 bags of dog treats owing to the same fear. Full details of these recalls can be found here.
