Pathogens

In the UK, Reckitt has announced that, as a precautionary measure, it is recalling its Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders due to the “possible presence” of Cronobacter sakazakii.

The food products are both used for special medical purposes for infants and are mainly prescribed however they are also available for purchase to parents and caregivers without a prescription.

The recalled Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Formula comes in a pack size of 400g and has the batch code ZL3F7D. The best before date to look out for is 01 July 2025. Meanwhile, the Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula comes in a pack size of 400g and has the batch code ZL3FAA. The best before date for this recalled product is 01 July 2025.

Finally, Reckitt is recalling Nutramigen LGG Stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula. Consumers should note that this product comes in a pack size of 400g, has the batch code ZL3FDM and has the best before date 01 July 2025.

Symptoms caused by Cronobacter sakazakii can include fever and diarrhoea. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has noted that, “in severe cases [it] may lead to sepsis or meningitis which include symptoms in infants including poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice and abnormal breaths and movements”.

Reckitt is currently recalling the above products and have contacted all stores and pharmacies that are supplying these products. In addition, the company has issued a recall notice to its customers to explain to customers why the products.

Those that have been prescribed or have purchased the recalled items have been advised to not feed it to your baby and return to the place of purchase.

Elsewher in the UK, Chiltern Artisan is recalling its Chiltern Artisan Chilli Sticks due to E. Coli being found in some of the products.

The company has warned that the use-by date is not displayed on the product packaging, something that is said makes the product “unsafe to eat”.

All pack sizes and use by dates of the Chiltern Artisan Chilli Sticks are included in the recall.

The FSA has highlighted that symptoms caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain, and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

As well as recalling the above products, point of sale notices will be displayed wher the products were sold to explain to consumers why the products are being recalled.

Those that have purchased the Chiltern Artisan Chilli Sticks have been advised not to eat it. Instead it can be returned to the store of purchase for a full refund.

Meanwhile, in the US, Blue Ridge Beef is expanding its recall of various pet food items due to a contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Pet food items now featured in the recall include all lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1114 to N24 1224 of its 2lb log of Kitten Grind, this product has the UPC code 8 54298 00101 6. Additionally it is recalling its 2lb log of Kitten Mix (UPC 8 54298 00143 6) and its 2lb log of Puppy Mix (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned that pets with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. However, some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

Advice to consumers states “if your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.” However, Blue Ridge Beef has claimed that “no illnesses have been reported to date”.

Distributed between 11/14/2023 – 12/20/2023, the recalled products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Those that have purchased any of the pet food items included in the recall have been urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef for a full refund and to destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. In addition, consumers have been told to not sell or donate the recalled products, nor should they feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.

“Wash and sanitise pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitise your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food,” explained Blue Ridge Beef.