Walmart and Costco Recall Baby Formulas Over Contamination Fear

Walmart and Costco have both issued recalls in Canada for two different types of baby formula over fears of a possible Cronobacter spp. contamination.

The first recall was for Kirkland Signature Non-GMO Infant Formula for Babies Sensitive to Lactose from Costco in single and two-packs. It was first issued on October 13 after a test from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency but was updated on October 25 to include additional product information. It includes formula with the expiration date of November 5, 2020.

The second recall was from Walmart for the Parent’s Choice brand Infant Formula for Babies Sensitive to Lactose. The original recall was issued on October 25 after a test from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and was updated on October 30 to include additional product information. It also includes product with the expiration date of November 5, 2020.

Cronobacter spp. is a pathogen that the recall notice says is “not commonly linked to human illness” but “in rare cases it can cause serious or fatal infections.” It can cause meningitis, septicemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and brain abscesses, according to a study by the Department of Microbiology at the University College Cork in Ireland. It has been a “major source” of recalls in infant formula since the 1950s and has a mortality rate of 40-80% associated with infections.

You can check the UPC codes and more information on the official recalls, but both advise you should dispose of the product or return it to the store where you bought it immediately. No linked illnesses have been reported.

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