FDA warns parents to avoid infant formula distributed by Prosper company

Health officials in the United States have cautioned parents against using powdered infant formula from a dairy producer based in Texas due to the presence of a dangerous bacteria detected in one of its products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a voluntary recall of Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula after a sample obtained from a Texas store tested positive for cronobacter, a bacteria known to cause severe infections in babies. This recall comes after similar incidents in 2022, which led to recalls and shortages of infant formula in the U.S.

The recalled formula was imported and distributed by Dairy Manufacturers Inc. of Prosper, Texas. However, details regarding the production location and distribution scope were not specified in the FDA’s press releases or the company’s announcements.

Recently, the company voluntarily recalled both the Crecelac formula and another brand, Farmalac, as they had not received FDA approval for sale in the U.S. While cronobacter was not detected in the Farmalac product, the FDA still advises parents and caregivers to avoid using it.

Cronobacter infections can lead to severe complications in infants, such as blood infections, meningitis, and nervous system injuries. The bacteria are typically present in the environment and can contaminate infant formula after packaging is opened.

Following the closure of an Abbott formula plant in Sturgis, Michigan, due to widespread contamination linked to cronobacter, the FDA began permitting imports of infant formula from overseas manufacturers to address shortages caused by the shutdown. Previously, U.S. infant formula production was restricted to a few domestic manufacturers, including Abbott.