Reckitt recalls baby formula over contamination fears

TWO baby formula products have been recalled from sale in the UK over concerns they could contain dangerous bacteria.

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has recalled several batches of its Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders after warning of potential contamination by Cronobacter sakazakii. The bacteria most commonly causes symptoms such as fever and diarrhoea but in severe cases could cause sepsis or meningitis, according to the Food Standards Agency.

This could lead to symptoms such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice and abnormal breathing. Nutramigen is designed for infants with a mild to moderate allergy to cow’s milk.

The products are mainly prescribed but are also available to buy over the counter. In a recall notice, Reckitt told customers not to use products from the relevant batches, which have an expiry date of July 1 2025.

The company said: “At Reckitt, we are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and the health and safety of infants is our highest priority.

“As a precaution we are recalling the batches of the Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 set out in this notice due to an isolated overseas sample of the product testing positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, while we continue to conduct a thorough investigation.”

It comes days after Reckitt, which also owns brands including Nurofen and Strepsils, issued a recall notice for the formula products in the US.

This is not the first time the Sloughbased company has been forced to pull its baby formula products from shelves owing to health concerns.

In February, two batches of Prosobee 12.9oz Simply Plant-based Infant Formula were recalled owing to possible cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.

It is the latest setback for Reckitt, whose share price has languished for the past two years as the cost of living crisis forced many consumers to trade down to cheaper products.

‘We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and infants’ health is our highest priority’