Some Gerber infant formulas recalled over bacteria concerns

(WTAJ) — Select units of Gerber infant formula are being recalled over concerns of possible bacteria contamination.

The voluntary recall was issued Friday by Perrigo Company for certain Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula produced at a plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

In a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Perrigo said the recall is “out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.”

Cronobacter sakazakii is the same bacteria that caused several infections among infants last year, leading to an FDA investigation of formula maker Abbott Laboratories. Abbott has denied any direct link to the cases, two of which involved children who died. Abbott issued a voluntary recall and shuttered a plant for months, contributing to a nationwide formula shortage.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found in the natural environment and can live in dry foods like starches, herbal teas, powdered milk and baby formula, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections are rare, but in infants, they may include sepsis, a dangerous blood infection, or meningitis, swelling around the spinal cord or in the linings surrounding the brain. The bacteria can also cause bowel damage and can spread throughout the body.

According to Perrigo, none of the distributed formulas have tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, no “adverse events” have been reported, and no other products made by Perrigo or at the Eau Claire facility are affected.