The Food and Drug Administration has issued an important news release informing the public of a nationwide recall by Mead Johnson for  41,464 24-ounce cans of its  GENTLEASE powdered infant formula that contain metal particles up to 2.7 millimeters in size. (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01323.html)

Although no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date, if “an infant were to inhale the contaminated infant formula into the lungs, the particles could pose a serious risk to the infant’s respiratory system and throat.”

According to the FDA release, any injuries associated with the contaminated formula would probably show up within three to four hours of exposure.

“The symptoms could be varied depending on whether there is damage to the throat or lungs. Damage to the throat may include coughing, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing. Similarly damage to the lungs could include coughing and difficulty breathing.”

Anyone who may have fed an infant GENTLEASE from the affected lot number and has any concerns over the child’s health, should immediately contact a health professional for guidance.

There were approximately 41,464 24-ounce cans in the recalled lot distributed to many major retail stores across the country starting on December 16, 2005. The affected products have the lot number and expiration/use by date embossed on the bottom of the can of BMJ19, use by 1 Jul 07.

Mead Johnson, who manufacturers the infant formula, informed the FDA of this problem. FDA and Mead Johnson are currently investigating how this “highly unusual incident” of metal particle contamination occurred.

Consumers who have any of the affected formula should not use it and should contact Mead Johnson at 888-587-7275 immediately.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 24th, 2006 at 8:28 am and is filed under Legal News, Defective Products, Health Concerns, Product Recalls.