The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revealed that two children have recently been infected with dangerous bacteria found in a baby formula that was recalled last year. The Centers for Disease Control was notified of the death of an unidentified child in Kentucky after it was discovered that the child had been infected with cronobacter sakazakii. Another child, Mira White, a 6-week-old in Missouri, was diagnosed with a brain infection caused by the same bacteria in early March.
Both children were found to have consumed Similac-brand formula products, which were recalled last year due to contamination with cronobacter sakazakii. However, investigations into the product and its manufacturing facility in Missouri have not found any causal link. The FDA has stated that there is currently no indication of a broader public health concern related to this product.
In response to these incidents, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists added cronobacter-related infections to the national watchlist of serious conditions that should be reported to the CDC. Earlier this year, the FDA also highlighted the possible risks for pre-term infants consuming probiotic products, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health, especially among vulnerable populations.
The FDA continues to investigate these incidents and is committed to identifying and addressing potentially unsafe products in the market. Lawyers representing Mira White’s mother have filed a lawsuit against Abbott, the manufacturer of the formula, accusing them of selling a defective product. Abbott, however, has denied responsibility, and FDA investigations have not found evidence of a connection to the dangerous bacteria.
Overall, while these cases raise concerns about the safety of baby formula, the FDA has stated that there is currently no broader public health concern related to the recalled product. The investigations and lawsuits surrounding these incidents will continue as authorities work to ensure the safety of infant formula products.
