Tests Show Enfamil Infant Formula to Be Safe

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found no evidence of Cronobacter, the bacterial infection responsible for the recent deaths of two infants, in sealed cans of Enfamil Infant Formula, prompting the agencies to issue a joint statement indicating that there was need to recall the baby formula manufactured by Mead Johnson.

Prior to the FDA and CDC investigation, several stores, including Wal-Mart, had pulled Mead Johnson’s Enfamil Infant Formula from store shelves in the latter half of December 2011 following the death of a 10-day-old baby from Missouri and another baby from Florida.  Two other babies, one from Illinois and one from Oklahoma, were also infected with the Cronobacter bacteria, but they recovered.  The four infections prompted the FDA investigation, which included testing factory-sealed containers of the powdered formula mixed with nursery water with the same lot numbers as the opened containers collected from Missouri.  The tests revealed no Cronobacter bacteria in any of the containers.

According to the FDA and the CDC, the Cronobacter bacteria, which is commonly found in the environment, hospitals and homes, can multiply in powdered baby formula after the product is mixed with water.  The FDA has said that it is continuing to investigate the four cases of Cronobacter infections, but that the Enfamil products that were pulled from store shelves are safe for use.

Since powdered infant formula is not sterile, some experts have expressed concerns regarding the lack of adequate methods to remove or kill all bacteria that may find its way into the formula before and during production.  The FDA and CDC has said that Cronobacter-related illnesses are rare and that increased awareness has led to 12 reported cases in 2011, whereas the CDC typically learns of four to six Cronobacter infections each a year.

Steinberg Goodman & Kalish  (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families.  We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (800) 784-0150 or (312) 782-1386.

Kroger Recalls Ice Cream Due to MisLabeling

Kroger Co., the nation’s largest grocery store operator, has recalled its Private Selection Extreme Moose Tracks ice cream due to mislabeling.  The ice cream, which was sold in 10 states, could contain peanuts, but they were not mentioned on the label.  The recall involves 16-ounce pints of the ice cream with a sell-by date of June 18, 2012 and a UPC code of 11110 52909.

The ice cream was sold at Kroger stores in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as the company's Jay C, Food 4 Less, Owen's, Pay Less and Scott's stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Consumers should return the product to the grocery store for a refund or replacement.

People with peanut allergies could have a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume the ice cream, said Kroger in a statement.  For those without a peanut allergy, the ice cream poses no danger.

Peanut allergies are a serious health concern and peanut allergies are the most common cause of food allergy-related deaths, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology more than 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or both.  Peanut allergies affect 1.2 percent of children, but 20 percent of them outgrow the allergy by age 6.

If your or a loved one has suffered an allergic reaction after consuming the recalled ice cream, you may wish to contact the experienced Illinois product liability attorneys at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish to learn about a possible personal injury or product liability claim.

Steinberg Goodman & Kalish  (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families.  We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (800) 784-0150 or (312) 782-1386.

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