CHICAGO: Walmart has pulled infant formula from the
shelves of its 3,000 stores after two babies in Missouri got sick
and one of them died, the retailer said on Thursday.
Health officials have not yet determined whether the bacterial
infection which sickened the newborns was linked to the powdered
formula, but Walmart said it was pulling the product "out of an
abundance of caution."
"We extend our deepest condolences to this baby boy's family as
they try to come to grips with their loss," Walmart spokesperson
Dianna Gee told AFP.
The retailer only removed Enfamil formula from the lot number in
question: ZP1K7G, Gee said.
"Walmart customers who may have purchased the item at our stores
can return it for a full refund or exchange it for another brand of
formula," she added.
The formula manufacturer said it tests all of ingredients and
products prior to shipment and does not believe the bacteria was
present at time of sale.
"The batch of our product used by the child's family tested
negative for Cronobacter when it was produced and packaged, and
that has been reconfirmed from our batch records following this
news," spokesman Chris Perille said.
"We are highly confident in the safety and quality of our products
- and the rigorous testing we put them through."
Mead Johnson Nutrition is "working with the health authorities to
support their efforts to identify the source or cause of this
infant's infection," he said, adding "our hearts go out to the
child's family for their tragic loss."
Missouri health officials have sent the formula to federal labs for
testing and urged parents to be careful because "powdered infant
formulas are not commercially sterile products."
They noted that powdered infant formula is the only type of food
linked to outbreaks of this type of infection and that "no
exclusively breastfed infants have been reported to have" the
infection.
They urged parents to careful store powdered formula, prepare only
small amounts that will be used right away, sterilise bottles, boil
water used to prepare formula for at least two minutes and wash
their hands thoroughly in order to prevent contamination.
"Until testing is completed it cannot be determined whether the
illness is linked to Enfamil Newborn Formula 12.5 oz. cans Lot #
ZP1K7G or an outside source," the health department said in a
statement.
- AFP/de
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RIP