Nutramigen Baby Formula Recall: What Parents Need to Know in 2025

Prompt checks and clear instructions help families uphold infant nutrition safety.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Prompt checks and clear instructions help families uphold infant nutrition safety.

Nutramigen Baby Formula Recall: Everything Parents Need to Know in 2025

The safety of infant nutrition is paramount to every parent. Understanding the recent Nutramigen baby formula recall, the bacteria involved, and how to protect your child is crucial. This comprehensive article outlines the specifics of the 2025 recall, why baby formula is sometimes recalled, key health risks, practical steps for affected families, and answers to common parent concerns.

Background: Recent Nutramigen Baby Formula Recall

On December 30, 2023, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of specific batches of its Nutramigen Powder. The recall followed positive tests for Cronobacter sakazakii in samples from another country, according to an official Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement. Nutramigen is a specialty formula intended for infants who have an allergy to cow’s milk.

In light of the potential dangers associated with contaminated products, it's crucial for parents to stay informed about similar health concerns. For instance, learn about the Nationwide Recall of Children’s Cough Syrup, which outlines risks and responses critical for parents navigating these troubling waters.

No cases of Cronobacter illness were reported in the United States, and no contamination was detected in products distributed domestically. However, to ensure the utmost safety for infants, the company decided to recall all potentially affected batches as a precaution.

Company Statement

“We are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and it is for this reason that we have taken this measure,” stated Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition during the announcement of the recall.

Understanding the Risk: What Is Cronobacter Sakazakii?

Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium naturally present in the environment, particularly thriving in dry products such as powdered infant formulas and powdered milk. According to infectious disease experts, Cronobacter can contaminate formula during manufacturing through:

As parents, understanding the various potential hazards in infant health is paramount. This is especially true regarding medications. Discover the Infant Ibuprofen Recall, which highlights critical safety warnings every parent should be aware of to protect their children from harmful products.

Contaminated ingredients or water supplies
Contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment
Post-production handling in dry environments

This bacterium is especially dangerous to infants younger than two months old, premature babies, or those with weakened immune systems. While Cronobacter infections in infants are rare, they are often severe, potentially causing:

Sepsis (a life-threatening bloodstream infection)
Meningitis (inflammation of brain and spinal cord coverings)
Other systemic complications
Death in severe untreated cases

Symptoms of severe illness in infants can include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, abnormal breathing, or unusual movements. Immediate medical attention is advised for any of these signs.

Which Nutramigen Batches Were Recalled?

It’s not only baby formula that has seen safety issues; vitamins can also pose risks. Uncover the alarming details about the Nature Made Vitamin Recall, including contamination risks that could affect your family’s health and safety.

To determine if you have a can from the affected batches, check the code on the bottom of your Nutramigen can. The following batch codes for Nutramigen Powder (intended for infants with dairy allergies) are included in the recall:

ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)

UPC codes:

300871239418
300871239456

Use by date: “1 Jan 2025”

If your Nutramigen formula matches any of these batch codes, UPC codes, or use-by dates, it is essential to discontinue its use immediately.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Formula

Safety procedures are not limited to just formulas. In the realm of children's medications, recalls can have serious implications. Stay alert with the Children’s Advil Recall, and be fully prepared with knowledge on necessary steps to take if your child is affected.

Parents who discover their infant’s formula is part of the recalled Nutramigen batches should take the following steps:

Stop feeding the formula to your child immediately.
Check all cans and containers against the recall batch and UPC codes listed above.
Contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a full refund or replacement. The company can be reached at:

Phone: 866-534-9986
Email: consumer.relations@rb.com

Dispose of any recalled formula safely, placing it in a sealed bag before discarding it to prevent accidental use.
Consult your pediatrician, especially if your baby shows any symptoms of illness such as fever, feeding difficulties, or unusual lethargy.
Do not attempt to make homemade formula, as this poses significant risks to infant nutrition and health.

Understanding the broader landscape of recalls can also safeguard your family. Be informed about the Bayer's Alka-Seltzer Plus Recall and the essential consumer guide that can help you avoid hazardous products in your home.

What Causes Baby Formula Recalls?

Formula recalls are implemented to protect infants from immediate or potential health threats. Understanding why formula may be recalled helps parents remain vigilant and make informed choices. The most common causes include:

Bacterial contamination: Including detection of harmful bacteria such as Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella during routine quality checks.
Labeling errors: Incorrect mixing instructions, misleading nutritional information, or missing ingredient/allergen warnings.
Manufacturing faults: Such as defective packaging, contamination during production, or improper ingredient ratios.
Quality control failures: Deviations from standard operating procedures, leading to out-of-specification product batches.

In addition to formula, baby food safety is a growing concern. Explore the Expert Insights on Heavy Metals in Baby Food, where in-depth analysis and practical guidance will empower you to make the best nutritional choices for your infant.

Regulatory agencies, principally the FDA, monitor infant formula manufacturers closely, requiring rigorous testing protocols to ensure product safety and quality. Emergency recalls are implemented promptly if a risk is found.

How Common Are Formula Recalls?

Baby formula recalls are relatively rare compared to recalls of other consumer products, but their consequences can be more severe due to the vulnerability of the infant population. Recent years have seen a surge in formula recalls, including significant events in 2022, 2023, and 2025, mostly triggered by contamination scares or supply chain issues.

Some notable impacts of recent recalls include:

Formula shortages nationwide. This led to purchasing limits in stores and increased anxiety for parents needing specialized formulas for medical reasons.
Transition to European and international brands, as parents searched for high-quality, reliably available alternatives.
Improvements in manufacturing oversight and quality tracking by formula producers and government regulators.

What are the Symptoms of Cronobacter Infection in Babies?

Cronobacter infections can be devastating if undetected. Watch for these warning signs in infants, especially if you recently used formula from an affected batch:

Poor feeding or refusal to feed
Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
Fever or low temperature (hypothermia)
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing sounds (grunting)
Unusual movements or muscle tone

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your child’s doctor immediately.

Safe Feeding Alternatives After a Formula Recall

After discovering your formula is affected, consult your pediatrician for guidance on alternatives. It’s critical not to switch formulas without expert advice, especially if your child has special dietary needs or allergies.

Seek recommendations for safe, readily available formula brands.
If hypoallergenic formulas are needed (like Nutramigen), ask about temporarily acceptable substitutes.
Never dilute formula to stretch supplies, as this can lead to health risks.
Avoid homemade formulas, which often lack adequate nutrients and can be hazardous to infants.

Some parents have found success with reputable European formulas that undergo strict safety testing, but always talk to a healthcare professional first.

How to Identify and Respond to Baby Formula Recalls

Stay informed:

Sign up for FDA recall alerts or follow trusted parenting resources for updates.
Carefully inspect cans for recall notices, batch codes, and UPC codes when purchasing or using formula.

If you discover a recalled formula:

Step	What to Do
1. Verify Batch	Compare batch and UPC codes with recall details
2. Stop Use	Immediately stop feeding the recalled product
3. Contact Company	Request refund or replacement from manufacturer
4. Dispose Properly	Seal and discard product to prevent accidental use
5. Tell Doctor	Consult pediatrician for further instructions

How Recall Affects the Formula Supply Chain

Recent formula recalls have caused considerable supply chain disruptions in the United States. Some of the causes and effects include:

Out-of-stock situations in stores, especially during nationwide recalls.
Increased pressure on unaffected brands, leading to further shortages.
Stressful situations for families with infants who need specialized or hypoallergenic formulas.

Despite these challenges, manufacturers and government agencies have taken steps to restore supply, enhance oversight, and raise manufacturing standards since the severe shortages and multiple recalls of previous years.

Why Homemade Formula Is Not Safe

It may be tempting to prepare homemade formula during shortages or recalls, but health experts strongly advise against it. Homemade baby formula recipes may lack vital nutrients, minerals, or use unsafe ingredients. These deficiencies can result in:

Malnutrition or growth delays
Electrolyte imbalances
Serious health complications

Always rely on commercially produced, regulated infant formula or seek direct medical guidance if facing a shortage.

FAQ: Nutramigen Recall and Baby Formula Safety

Which Nutramigen products have been recalled?

Batches with the codes ZL3FHG, ZL3FMH, ZL3FPE, ZL3FQD, ZL3FRW, and ZL3FXJ (various can sizes) with UPC codes 300871239418 or 300871239456 and use-by date “1 Jan 2025” have been recalled.

Is Nutramigen formula safe to use in the U.S.?

As of the latest update, there have been no reported cases of illness or positive Cronobacter tests in Nutramigen sold domestically. However, affected batches are recalled out of an abundance of caution. Always check batch codes before use.

What should I do if my baby shows signs of infection after consuming recalled formula?

Contact your pediatrician or seek medical help immediately, detailing symptoms and possible exposure to a recalled batch. Early intervention is critical.

Can I switch to a different formula brand right away?

Consult your pediatrician before changing formulas, especially if your child has allergies or dietary needs. Abrupt changes can upset digestion or lack required nutrients for specific conditions.

Is it safe to use recalled formula if no illness has been reported?

No. The recall is preventive, and even if contamination has not been found in the U.S., using recalled formula poses unnecessary risk.

Resources for Further Information

FDA official recall information: Visit the FDA’s website or sign up for alerts about formula recalls and product safety notices.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Customer Support: Phone (866-534-9986) or email (consumer.relations@rb.com) for direct support and guidance.
Consult your child’s healthcare provider for the safest, most appropriate feeding alternatives.

Key Takeaways for Parents

Check all formula for recalls before use, focusing on batch, UPC, and expiration codes.
Never use any recalled formula. Dispose of it and request a refund or replacement.
Do not attempt to make formula at home.
Consult your pediatrician for the safest feeding alternatives, especially if your child needs specialized nutrition.
Report any symptoms of infection immediately after formula consumption.

Conclusion

The 2025 Nutramigen baby formula recall is a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance in infant nutrition. By understanding the risks, following recall instructions, and speaking promptly to medical experts, parents can safeguard their child’s health even during times of uncertainty.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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