Parents Beware: FDA Announces Recall On Sammy’s Milk Baby Formula That May Carry Deadly Bacteria

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of all Sammy’s Milk infant formula over fears it may contain the deadly bacteria, Cronobacter.

The FDA urges parents to return or throw out lots expiring between November 2016 – August 2018 as they may contain the bacteria. No illnesses have been reported yet, but Cronobacter bacteria can cause meningitis in infants two months and younger, and might cause severe blood infections in others. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane that protects the brain and spine, and the disease could lead to death in infants.

The FDA found Sammy’s Milk was not manufactured in compliance with infant formula regulations or tested for the Cronobacter bacteria, according to CNN. It also stated the formula might have inadequate levels of iron and no warning label saying supplementation of iron might be necessary for the infant’s diet.

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., Sammy’s Milk defines itself as a non-GMO, gluten-free alternative to breast milk and cow’s milk. Made from goat’s milk, the ingredients include fish oil, molasses, and Hi-Oleic safflower oil. It also includes Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which apparently occur naturally in vegetables and breast milk. So far, there seems to be no announcement of the recall on the company’s homepage, which may be a bit concerning for parents who frequent the site to order the formula.

Sammy’s Milk is only sold in Mother’s Market stores in California and through online ordering, meaning parents may not be properly warned about the recall if they visit the site. A quick look through Sammy’s Milk social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, shows no warnings about the recall, either. However, with only 1,800 Facebook ‘likes’ and less than 800 Instagram followers, perhaps a social media announcement is due for their loyal customers.

According to the Sammy’s Milk website, their formula is backed by pediatrician recommendations. This is great if a company follows the proper protocols. However, learning they failed to meet the FDA’s requirements for manufacturing and testing their product is not promising. Luckily for parents, the FDA exists to catch such mishaps and make the public aware. What is not so lucky is the lack of coverage this recall has received so far.

Sammy’s Milk may not be one of the biggest brands in the country, but obviously, families are purchasing enough formula to keep the company in business. If the recall keeps just one baby from becoming ill or contracting meningitis, then it’s more than worth the effort. So far, though, Sammy’s Milk doesn’t seem to have put forth much effort in spreading the news.

The company’s Facebook is full of articles covering weight gain during pregnancy, infant acne, and what to eat during pregnancy, but no mention of this serious recall. And the same goes for the company’s Instagram and Twitter pages. Sammy’s Milk Instagram is overflowing with happy babies drinking their formula and photos of cute little goats, but no recall information.

Thankfully, sites such as CNN and the FDA’s page made information available on how to return the formula and which batches are affected. If you’ve purchased Sammy’s Milk formula either online or in store, you can call 949-646-4628 or email recall@SammysMilk.com with your questions and concerns. You may also take your unused formula back to the place of purchase for a refund.

As a parent, I’m sure baby food recalls are nerve-wracking, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. While there’s no proof any of the Sammy’s Milk formulas actually contain the deadly bacteria, the formula was not tested for it either, and this is quite disturbing. Hopefully, the company will learn from this recall, and initiate a legally required testing regimen before they resume production of Sammy’s Milk Baby Formula.

After all, we are sure the company agrees that nothing is more important than the health and safety of the children who consume their products and their parents’ peace of mind.

[Featured Image by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images]