According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a baby formula that is sold in Lancaster and Clinton counties in the state of Pennsylvania does not provide infants with the nutrients that they need.
The FDA is warning caregivers and parents to not buy Mother's Touch formula. The federal agency said that the product is sold at local markets in Kinzers, Loganton, and Gap, Pennsylvania and was available for purchase directly from the website of Mother's Touch.
The FDA's directive comes as the U.S. recovers from a severe baby formula crunch that started with COVID pandemic-led supply issues and then worsened after Abbott closed its Sturgis, Michigan plant back in February due to reports of bacterial contamination in the facility.
Mother's Touch formula is not manufactured in compliance with FDA regulations
According to the FDA, the formula was also not tested for potentially harmful bacteria. Mother's Touch, which is based in Texas, said that the formula is "FDA registered" on its website. The FDA rejected those claims, saying it has determined that Mother's Touch Formula is not manufactured in compliance with the infant formula regulations of the agency.
The FDA said that the infant formula product of Mother's Touch is not tested to determine if it meets the nutrient requirements for infant formula. The agency added that it contains label claims for seven nutrients that do not meet the nutrient requirements for infant formula, according to Penn Live.
The FDA noted that consumption of such formula has the potential to cause nutrient deficiencies or toxicity in infants. The agency also said that the infant formula product was not fully tested for the presence of potentially harmful bacteria such as Cronobacter.
According to the FDA, the formula of Mother's Touch does not meet the minimum levels required for linoleic acid, calcium, protein, potassium, chloride, and sodium. The agency also said that the infant formula product contains iron that is above the maximum level allowed.
Parents and caregivers advised to discontinue use of Mother's Touch formula
The FDA said that parents and caregivers of infants who have purchased this Mother's Touch infant formula product should discontinue its use and throw it away. Parents and caregivers of infants who have used this particular product and are concerned about the health of their baby should immediately contact their health care provider.
To report a serious allergic reaction or an illness because of the infant formula product, parents can do the following things. They can call a Consumer Complaint Coordinator from the FDA if they wish to speak directly to a person about their problem.
Parents can also complete their electronic Voluntary MedWatch forms online. Parents can also do it the old-fashioned way as they can complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA, according to Click on Detroit.
