Health Dept. issues voluntary recall warning for select batches of powder infant formula due to potential contamination

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a voluntary recall by Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition of select Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic powder infant formula products, because of potential Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

These products were distributed nationwide, including to retailers in Hawaiʻi. Nutramigen liquid formula and other Enfamil products are not affected by this recall.

According to Reckitt/Mead Johnson, all products in question went through extensive testing and tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. However, sample testing of products that were distributed outside of the United States indicated the possible contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii, and out of an abundance of caution all potentially affected batches are being recalled.

Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and yellow whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Cronobacter sakazakii infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

Please contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is exhibiting symptoms after having consumed the recalled product. To date there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled products nationwide, including Hawai‘i.

The Food and Drug Branch advises consumers to check for any of the products listed below and dispose immediately. The affected products were manufactured in June 2023 and distributed in June, July and August 2023. Consumers who purchased the recalled products may contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition at 1-866-534-9986 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or email consumer.relations@rb.com for additional information, including product reimbursement.

The recalled product descriptions and relevant information are listed below:

Batch codes and can size:

• ZL3FHG; 12.6 oz cans
• ZL3FMH; 12.6 oz cans
• ZL3FPE; 12.6 oz cans
• ZL3FQD; 12.6 oz cans
• ZL3FXJ; 12.6 oz cans
• ZL3FRW; 19.8 oz cans

Batch codes can be found on the bottom of the can.