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April 7th, 2023Bacterial contamination in powdered infant formula has sparked concern for the safety of infants and led to the demand for increased regulation and safety measures. Abbott previously recalled several lots of its powdered infant formula after discovering traces of a bacteria known as Cronobacter sakazakii. The consequences for babies exposed to this bacteria can be severe. Abbott’s contaminated formula allegedly caused multiple infant illnesses and deaths. Recently, the FDA announced a recall of a Gerber powdered formula because it may also contain Cronobacter sakazakii.
On March 17, 2023, the Irish-based company Perrigo Company plc voluntarily recalled certain lots of Gerber formula. The company recalled the Gerber Good Start SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.
The Gerber powdered infant formula recall affects products manufactured at the company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin, facility from January 2, 2023, to January 18, 2023. Retailers across the U.S. sold the impacted lots of Gerber formula. If you purchased the formula after March 5, 2023, look for the following lot codes and use by dates on the bottom of the package:
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
301357652Z – USE BY 14JUL2024
301457652Z – USE BY 15JUL2024
301557651Z – USE BY 16JUL2024
301557652Z – USE BY 16JUL2024I
The FDA assured the public that no distributed product has tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. Furthermore, the agency has not received any reports of injuries or deaths. The Gerber powdered infant formula recall does not apply to any other product manufactured at this facility or any additional Perrigo location.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment. This bacteria can contaminate powdered infant formula during production if the processing facility has unsanitary conditions. Cronobacter prefers dry conditions, like powdered infant formulas, starches, powdered milk, and herbal teas.
Cronobacter illnesses are rare in adults but may prove deadly for infants. Babies are especially vulnerable because of their underdeveloped immune systems. Therefore, if infants ingest Cronobacter sakazakii, they may suffer sepsis or meningitis. Sepsis is a blood infection and the body’s most extreme response to an infection. Meanwhile, meningitis is the swelling of the lining surrounding the spine and brain. Both sepsis and meningitis can result in death.
There are currently no reports of illnesses or deaths related to the Gerber powdered infant formula recall. However, this recall serves as another reminder for the infant formula industry to take better precautions to protect the lives of infants.
In February 2022, Abbott recalled three brands of powdered formula produced at one of its facilities in Sturgis, Michigan. The company issued the recall after receiving reports of infant hospitalizations and deaths tied to the powdered formulas.
Abbott has maintained there is no definitive proof that recalled formulas resulted in the incidents. However, testing conducted by Abbott and the FDA confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii in several locations at the plant. Individuals are filing infant formula recall lawsuits against Abbott for injuries and deaths allegedly caused by the tainted formula.
While Gerber is not involved in these lawsuits against Abbott, the company faces additional claims relating to its baby food. Parents allege Gerber baby food products contain unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals that affect the neurological development of babies. These metals include arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium. Babies that consume Gerber baby food with high concentrations of neurotoxins may develop ADHD or autism.
The recent Gerber powdered infant formula recall has caused alarm for parents who want to protect their children from potential harm.
At The Lake Law Firm, we are committed to supporting families affected by contaminated infant formula. There are no reports of injuries connected to the Gerber powdered infant formula recall. However, our firm is assisting individuals in filing claims against Abbott for injuries and deaths allegedly caused by Cronobacter sakazakii in their formula. We prioritize the well-being of infants and will work tirelessly to seek justice for those affected.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529.
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