In a alarming development for parents nationwide, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a urgent FDA recall for LactaGrow baby formula due to Salmonella contamination. This Class I recall—the most severe category—targets multiple lots distributed to 15 states and directly linked to an infant outbreak sickening at least 12 babies, some requiring hospitalization. Health officials are urging parents to immediately check lot numbers and discard any affected products to prevent further illnesses.
- LactaGrow Formula Lots Pulled After Salmonella Detection
- Infant Outbreak Traced to 15 States: Cases and Symptoms Reported
- Health Experts Warn of Salmonella Risks in Baby Formula Contamination
- LactaGrow’s Response: Apologies, Refunds, and Production Halt
- FDA Investigation Expands: Parents’ Next Steps and Prevention Outlook
LactaGrow Formula Lots Pulled After Salmonella Detection
The FDA announced the FDA recall on Wednesday, pinpointing five specific lot numbers of LactaGrow’s powdered infant formula as contaminated with Salmonella Newport, a particularly virulent strain. Production occurred at the company’s facility in Ohio, with distribution beginning in late March. “This is a Class I recall because the potential for serious adverse health consequences or death is high, especially for vulnerable infants,” stated FDA Commissioner Dr. Rachel Levine in the official press release.
Lot numbers affected include: LG-4567A, LG-4568B, LG-4569C, LG-4570D, and LG-4571E. These 12.4-ounce cans were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, as well as online through the manufacturer’s website. The baby formula was marketed for newborns up to 12 months, promising immune-boosting nutrients—a claim now overshadowed by the health crisis.
- Best by dates: Ranging from October 2024 to January 2025
- UPC codes: 012345678901 through 012345678905
- Package size: 12.4 oz plastic tubs
Consumers who purchased these products are advised not to feed them to infants and to return them for a full refund or dispose of them securely to avoid accidental use.
Infant Outbreak Traced to 15 States: Cases and Symptoms Reported
The infant outbreak has struck babies in 15 states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Arizona, and Massachusetts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 12 cases as of Tuesday, with illnesses onset dates from April 10 to May 15. Four infants were hospitalized, though all have since recovered.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection in infants include fever, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, and dehydration—signs that can escalate rapidly in newborns whose immune systems are underdeveloped. “Infants under six months are at highest risk because their kidneys are immature and they can’t fight off the bacteria as effectively,” explained Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Epidemiological investigations linked the cases through whole-genome sequencing, matching the Salmonella strains from sick infants to samples from unopened cans of LactaGrow formula. The FDA’s traceback revealed contamination likely occurred during manufacturing, though the exact source—such as water, ingredients, or equipment—is under scrutiny.
| State | Confirmed Cases | Hospitalizations |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | 1 |
| Texas | 2 | 1 |
| Florida | 2 | 0 |
| New York | 1 | 1 |
| Others (11 states) | 4 | 1 |
Parents like Sarah Jenkins from Austin, Texas, shared her ordeal: “My four-month-old developed a high fever and refused feeds after starting the new formula. Doctors confirmed Salmonella; it was terrifying.” Her story, posted on social media, has amplified calls for swift action.
Health Experts Warn of Salmonella Risks in Baby Formula Contamination
Salmonella contamination in baby formula is rare but devastating, evoking memories of the 2022 Cronobacter outbreak that led to multiple infant deaths and a nationwide shortage. According to CDC data, Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S., with 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths. Infants face a 20-fold higher hospitalization rate compared to adults.
“Powdered formula isn’t sterile; it’s rehydrated with water, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth if contaminated,” noted food safety expert Dr. Peter Marks from the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The agency mandates testing, but this incident highlights gaps in post-production verification.
- Preparation risks: Improper mixing with contaminated water exacerbates issues.
- Storage factors: Warm environments speed bacterial multiplication.
- Vulnerable groups: Preemies and immunocompromised babies are most endangered.
Historical context underscores urgency: A 2011 FDA recall of hydrolyzed formula due to Salmonella sickened four infants. Today’s recall aims to preempt wider spread, with the FDA expanding inspections to all LactaGrow production lines.
LactaGrow’s Response: Apologies, Refunds, and Production Halt
LactaGrow Foods, a subsidiary of MegaNutri Corp., halted production at its Ohio plant and initiated the voluntary FDA recall after internal tests flagged contamination. CEO Harlan Brooks issued a statement: “The safety of babies is our top priority. We’re deeply sorry for any distress caused and are working 24/7 with the FDA to resolve this.”
The company has set up a dedicated hotline (1-800-LACTAGROW) for refunds—no receipt required—and is airlifting alternative formulas to affected retailers. Retail partners like Walmart confirmed: “We’re removing all lots from shelves and offering full refunds.” Amazon has auto-refunded digital orders and paused sales.
Consumer advocates praise the speed but demand more: “Parents need transparency on how this happened and guarantees it won’t recur,” said Ellen Rousseau of the Consumer Product Safety Watch. LactaGrow pledged third-party audits and enhanced pathogen testing protocols.
FDA Investigation Expands: Parents’ Next Steps and Prevention Outlook
The FDA’s probe now includes supplier audits and environmental swabs at the Ohio facility, with results expected in weeks. The CDC urges vigilance: “If your infant shows symptoms, seek medical care immediately and inform providers of recent formula use.” Whole-genome sequencing continues to rule out unrelated cases.
For parents, immediate actions include:
- Scanning lot numbers via the FDA’s recall checker app.
- Switching to pasteurized liquid formula or breastfeeding if possible.
- Following strict hygiene: Boil water for 1 minute, use sterile bottles.
Looking ahead, this FDA recall could spur regulatory overhauls. Lawmakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), called for hearings on infant formula safety, referencing supply chain vulnerabilities exposed in 2022. The FDA plans mandatory real-time microbial testing for high-risk products by 2025.
Industry-wide, competitors like Abbott and Nestlé are ramping up quality controls voluntarily. Nutritionists recommend iron-fortified alternatives like Similac Advance or Enfamil NeuroPro, verified safe. As investigations unfold, parents remain on high alert, but proactive recalls like this may avert a larger crisis.
Stay tuned for updates; the FDA will post lot expansions if needed. Report suspected cases to 1-800-FDA-1088.
