A recalled Gerber powdered infant formula was distributed to some US retailers after the initial recall notice, the company says

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A Gerber infant formula under voluntary recall for possible contamination with a germ that can make babies seriously ill was distributed to some US retailers even after initial notice, according to a statement shared by the US Food and Drug Administration. USA

Perrigo Company, based in Ireland, which first issued the recall in March “out of an abundance of caution”, it had said that some products could be contaminated with the pathogenic bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii, according to the statement.

The recall affects Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula and applies to products manufactured between January 2 and January 18 at the company’s facility in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

One of the recalled products was shipped to retailers in the Nashville division of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc, a cooperative wholesale distributor, after the initial recall notice on March 17, according to the company statement, shared by the FDA.

Independent Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc retailers in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia received the 12.4-ounce version of the infant formula after that date.

“Consumers who have purchased this product…in these states are urged to review any product they may have in their home.” Perrigo statement read on Sunday. Those who have any of the recalled formulas should not use it and should instead discard it.

The Perrigo Company has not reported any products that have tested positive for the bacteria or any related illnesses, according to a news release.

While Cronobacter sakazakii won’t cause symptoms in most people, the germ commonly found in the environment can trigger life-threatening infections in babies. according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..

The bacteria can live in dry foods such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, starches, and herbal teas.

Infected babies younger than 2 months or those with weakened immune systems may experience fever, poor feeding, excessive crying, or low energy. according to the FDA.