Perrigo has recently issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula in the United States.
This recall comes as a precautionary measure due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium known to cause severe infections, particularly in infants.
The safety and well-being of infants are paramount, prompting Perrigo to take swift action to address this issue.
Recall of Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula
In a move to prioritize consumer safety, Perrigo has initiated a voluntary recall of specific batches of Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula.
This recall, prompted by concerns of potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, aims to mitigate any risks to infants who may consume the affected product.
As announced by Gerber, the recall notice, issued on March 17, 2023, emphasizes the importance of caution when dealing with infant formula and the significance of taking proactive measures to ensure the health of vulnerable infants.
The affected product, Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula, was distributed across the United States.
Parents and caregivers who purchased this formula after March 5, 2023, are urged to check the lot codes and use-by dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package.
It is crucial to note that only specific lot codes are impacted by this recall, and consumers are advised to discontinue use of the recalled batches immediately.
In case of any concerns or inquiries, individuals can contact the Gerber Parents Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo at 1-800-777-7690 to receive a refund for the affected product.
Distribution of Recalled Products to Retailers Across Eight States
NBC News reported that despite the voluntary recall initiated by Perrigo, Associated Wholesale Grocers inadvertently distributed the 12.4-ounce version of the recalled Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula to its retailers in the Nashville Division.
As a result, the recalled product was distributed to supermarkets across Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio.
Associated Wholesale Grocers has taken prompt action to rectify the situation and is urgently requesting consumers who purchased the Gerber Good Start formula from impacted locations to check their products for the specific lot codes mentioned in the recall notice.
It is of utmost importance that consumers who have purchased the formula with matching codes discontinue its use immediately and dispose of the product.
The potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii poses a risk to infants, as the bacterium can lead to serious infections and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
Associated Wholesale Grocers is working diligently to rectify the situation, urging affected consumers to reach out to the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo to request a refund and ensure the safety of their infants.
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Understanding the Risks of Cronobacter Infections in Infants
Cronobacter sakazakii is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the environment.
According to the CDC, these germs can reside in various dry foods, including powdered milk, infant formula, starches, and herbal teas.
While instances of Cronobacter infections in infants are rare, they can have severe consequences, making it essential for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant.
Infants younger than 12 months old are particularly susceptible to Cronobacter infections, often associated with the consumption of powdered infant formula.
The symptoms of such infections usually manifest as excessive crying, fever, poor feeding, low energy levels, and, in some cases, seizures.
It is crucial for parents to seek immediate medical attention if their infants exhibit any of these symptoms.
Timely medical intervention is vital in preventing the escalation of Cronobacter-related illnesses in infants.
