Current Baby Food and Formula Recalls

Baby girl staring at empty bowl and spoon
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Recalls of baby food and formula are rare, thankfully. But occasionally a batch of formula or baby food raises safety concerns that warrant a recall.

Below are the current recalls involving baby formula or baby food and corrective steps that are being taken.

Similac, Alimentum and EleCare Recall

February 17, 2022: Abbott has voluntarily recalled powdered formulas, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare, manufactured in their Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, MI. The complaints received include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. The recall does not include any liquid formula products.

The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided. To find out more or to request a refund from Abbott, click here.

February 28, 2022 – UPDATE: Abbott is voluntarily recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. This is in addition to lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formula that were voluntarily recalled on February 17. The action comes after learning of the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and who had consumed Similac PM 60/40 from this lot.

Calcilo Formula Recall

September 17, 2019: Abbott has voluntarily recalled a single lot of Calcilo XD® powder cans (13.2oz / 375g) with lot number 79696K80 in the United States and Canada due to an inconsistency in aroma and color in a small number of cans from this specific batch.

If you have purchased Calcilo XD® powder cans (13.2oz / 375g) with lot number 79696K80 on the bottom of the can, discontinue use of this product and contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to return or replace the product.

  • United States: 1-800-850-7677
  • Canada: 1-855-733-4201

Mountain Mel's Tea Recall

August 29, 2019: Mountain Mel’s Essential Goods is recalling The Milk Lady’s Tea (lot ML6271950, Peaceful Baby Herbal Tea (lot PB781950), and Diges-Teas Herbal Tea (lot DT7619100), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Consumers who have purchased these products can take a photo of the product and lot label and email it to info@mountainmels.com for a full refund.

Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula Recall

June 21, 2019: Perrigo Company is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall of 35-ounce (992-gram) containers of Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron. This product, sold exclusively at Walmart, is being recalled because of the potential presence of metal foreign matter in a single lot of the product (C26EVFV). The total number of containers affected by this recall is 23,388. Consumers who may have purchased the product should look for Lot Code C26EVFV with a "use by" date of February 26, 2021, which can be found on the bottom of the package. Any consumers who purchased the product should discontinue use and can visit any Walmart store for a refund.

Consumers with any health-related questions should contact their healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions about Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron can contact Perrigo Consumer Affairs at 866-629-6181.

Report On Lead in Baby Food

June 2017: An Environmental Defense Fund study found detectable levels of lead in 20 percent of more than 2,000 baby food samples. The most common culprits for lead exposure in this study were apple and grape juice, root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and teething biscuits. The brands containing lead have not been publicly identified. The lead levels found were low. However, since babies and children can be seriously harmed by lead exposure, there is no "safe" amount of lead a baby can ingest.

In January 2019, Cornell University, Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, The Hain Celestial Group (Earth’s Best), Gerber Products Company, Danone (Happy Family Organics), the Environmental Defense Fund, and Healthy Babies Bright Futures joined together to form The Baby Food Council, with the goal of "seeking to reduce heavy metals in the companies’ products to as low as reasonably achievable."

Lactalis Formula Recall

December 11, 2017: French manufacturer Lactalis recalled several of their baby formula products after infants in France became sick with salmonella poisoning. The salmonella contamination is believed to have happened in Lactalis' factory in northwestern France and affected brands sold under the names Milumel, Celia, and Picot. A full list of the formulas that cannot be marketed or exported is available online (though it is written in French).

Gerber Pasta Pick-Ups Recall

March 08, 2017: Gerber Products Company is initiating a voluntary recall of Cheese Ravioli Gerber® Pasta Pick-Ups® because the egg allergen is missing from the “Contains” statement. The full ingredient list on the package does list “egg” as an ingredient; however, the “Contains” statement, designed to further alert parents to allergens in the recipe, did not include “egg” as is required. Only consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg are at risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Cheese Ravioli Gerber® Pasta Pick-Ups® (UPC code: 159070) was distributed nationally and is limited to the United States. This voluntary recall impacts all packages of the Cheese Ravioli variety of Gerber® Pasta Pick-Ups®. Parents with questions can contact Gerber at 1-800-510-7494.

PC Organics Baby Food Recall

February 07, 2017: Loblaw Companies is recalling PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum." Contact the company at customerservice@presidentschoice.ca or 1-888-495-5111.

H-E-B Baby Food Recall

November 18, 2016: All H-E-B Baby Food 2-pack 4 ounce cups baby food is recalled due to a small piece of rubber found in one product. No injury or illness was reported. Return the baby food containers to any H-E-B store for a full refund.

CVS Homeopathic Products

November 2016: Raritan Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary recall of CVS homeopathic products because the amount of belladonna extract in the products may not match what is stated on the label. Included in the recall are:

UPC: 050428424162
Product: CVS Homeopathic Infants' Teething Tablet 135 tablets
Lots: 41116 and 43436

UPC: 778159090639
Product: Kids Relief Homeopathic Ear Relief Oral Liquid 0.85 fl. oz. Lot: 35254

UPC: 050428441633
Product: CVS Homeopathic Kids' Ear Relief Liquid 0.85 fl. oz. Lot: 33149

Stop using these products and contact Raritan Labs at 866-467-2748 with questions.

Sammy's Milk Baby Formula

September 30, 2016: All Sammy's Milk Baby Food powdered formula is recalled because it isn't manufactured according to federal regulations and has not been tested for Cronobacter, which can cause deadly infections in children.

Gerber Organic 2nd Foods Pouches

March 26, 2016: These baby food pouches have a packaging defect that could allow the food to spoil during transport and handling. The following food pouches are included in the recall:

GERBER® Organic 2ND FOODS® Pouches: Pears, Carrots & Peas, 3.5 ounce, UPC 15000074319, with Best By dates/batch codes 12JUL2016 51945335XX and 13JUL 2016 51955335XX.

GERBER® Organic 2ND FOODS® Pouches: Carrots, Apples and Mangoes, 3.5 ounce, UPC 15000074395, with Best By dates/batch codes 13JUL2016 51955335XX and 14JUL2016 51965335XX.

The pouches may appear bloated and could have an off smell or taste. Contact Gerber at 800-706-0556 to receive a replacement product.

GoGo Squeez Applesauce Pouches

March 5, 2016: Applesauce pouches with "best before" dates between 12/4/2015 and 3/4/2017 are recalled because food product residue was found in two pumps at the manufacturing facility. No illnesses were reported. If you purchased applesauce pouches with the affected dates, visit the company's website to receive a voucher for a replacement product.

GoGo Squeez Applesauce Pouches

October 15, 2015: Applesauce pouches with "best before" dates between 6/30/2016 and 7/26/2016 are recalled because the applesauce may contain mold. No illnesses were reported. If you purchased applesauce pouches with the affected dates, visit the company website for a replacement voucher.

Beech-Nut Baby Food

April 14. 2014: One variety of Beech-Nut baby food is recalled because the jars could contain small pieces of glass. Four-ounce glass jars of “Stage 2 Beech-Nut CLASSICS sweet potato & chicken that were made on 12/12/2014 are affected by the recall. The jars have establishment number “P-68A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They expire in December 2016 and include product numbers 12395750815 through 12395750821. Contact Beechnut at 866-674-4446 with questions.

Plum Organics World Baby Food Pouches

March 4, 2014: Two varieties of World Baby food pouches are recalled because the plastic spout can be damaged in manufacturing. Small plastic fragments can detach, which poses a choking hazard. Recalled varieties are:

  • World Baby Italy: Zucchini & Spinach with Pasta Marinara with “Best By” date of 09Sep14 (Sept. 9, 2014)
  • World Baby Thailand: Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Rice with “Best By” date of 10Sep14 (Sept. 10, 2014)

Contact Plum Organics directly at 866-495-3774 for reimbursement information.

Plum Organics Baby Food Pouch Recall

November 13, 2013: Some baby food pouch products from Plum Organics Baby Stage 2, Tots Mish Mash, and Kids lines are recalled because a manufacturing defect could allow the food to spoil. Affected products have "best by" dates from 08/05/14 to 12/08/14 and include the letters AT. Contact Plum Organics at 866-495-3774 for a replacement product voucher.

Gerber Baby Formula Recall

March 8, 2012: All cans of Gerber® Good Start® Gentle powdered infant formula 23.2 ounce plastic package from batch GXP1684 expiration date of March 5, 2013 are recalled because the formula may have an off smell or taste. Some minor gastrointestinal irritation was reported. Contact Gerber at 800-487-7763 with questions.

Walmart Enfamil Baby Formula Recall

December 2011: Wal-Mart stores removed all cans of Enfamil Newborn formula of one size and from one lot number from shelves after one baby died and another became seriously ill from the same bacterial infection. Both infants were in Missouri and used the same type of formula, purchased at Wal-Mart. The cause of the infection could not be directly linked to the formula, but it was recalled out of an abundance of caution.

By Heather Corley
Heather Wootton Corley is a mother, freelance writer and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor.