FDA Warns Walmart, Target for Selling Recalled Baby Formula
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to four major retailers for selling baby formula linked to a bacterial outbreak in infants. The retailers—Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Albertsons—continued to supply the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula even after being informed of its recall.
Key Details of the FDA Warning
On December 12, the FDA communicated with the retailers about the ongoing sale of recalled products. The initial recall was issued in November but was later expanded to include all ByHeart infant formula. The recall encompassed both cans and single-serve stick packs of the formula.
Infant Botulism Outbreak
The bacterial illness, known as infant botulism, is caused by Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium can grow in infants’ immature digestive systems, producing toxins that lead to severe health issues. Symptoms of this illness include:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding
- Loss of head control
- Difficulty swallowing
Severity can escalate, leading to respiratory issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this outbreak has affected 51 infants in 19 states, ranging from two weeks to nearly nine months of age.
Retailer Compliance Issues
Walmart has been identified as selling the recalled formula in 21 states. A notable incident occurred at Target, where a $2 discount was offered on the recalled product between November 16 and November 22. The formula was present in 20 states, raising concerns about proper recall compliance.
Responses from Retailers
According to the FDA, store employees provided various reasons for the continued sale of the recalled products. These explanations included:
- Lack of awareness regarding the recall
- Confusion about which products were affected
- Failure to remove all impacted items
The FDA has granted these retailers 15 working days to clarify the measures they will implement to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The agency has warned that non-compliance could lead to legal actions, including product seizures.
