Health Canada has issued a recall for Gerber brand baby cereal due to potential contamination with Cronobacter, a bacteria that can cause serious illness in infants.
The affected product is the Gerber Organic 2nd Foods Oatmeal Cereal, with a best before date of October 18, 2021 and the UPC code 15000 12504. It is being recalled across Canada.
According to Health Canada, the recall was initiated after a routine inspection found the presence of Cronobacter in a sample of the product. The bacteria can cause severe infections, including meningitis, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis, in infants with weakened immune systems.
Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using the recalled product immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. They are also urged to seek medical attention if their child has consumed the product and is experiencing symptoms such as fever, irritability, or difficulty feeding.
Gerber Canada has also issued a statement, apologizing for any inconvenience and assuring customers that their top priority is the safety and quality of their products. They have also implemented additional measures to prevent future contamination.
This recall serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to always check for any recalls or safety alerts on products they use for their children. Health Canada recommends regularly checking the Recalls and Safety Alerts database for any updates.
For more information on the recall, consumers can contact Gerber Canada at 1-800-255-2164 or Health Canada at 1-866-225-0709.
