Massive recall of baby formula sold at Walmart, No Frills, Food Basics, FreshCo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Metro, Sobeys and other Canadian grocery stores over Salmonella fears triggers health warning as babies hospitalized in U.S.

Certain baby formula sold at big-name stores across Canada are being recalled over concerns about bacteria infections and babies being hospitalized in the US

The large recall of certain Similac formulas in Canada was triggered by a recall in the US over concerns about Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

There, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an ongoing investigation into complaints and hospitalizations.

“The FDA is investigating complaints of four infant illnesses from three states,” the FDA said in a statement. “All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.”

Here are photos of just some of the recalled products but the complete Canadian list is here.

Loblaw Companies Ltd. confirmed some of the products were sold at Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Loblaws, Fortinos and Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

“Customers who purchased the affected product at our stores can return it for a refund or exchange,” Loblaw said in a statement to Inside Halton.

Sobeys said in Ontario, the recall impacted Sobeys, Foodland and FreshCo stores and the online grocery home delivery service, Voila by Sobeys.

“We were notified late yesterday (Feb. 17) that unfortunately some powdered infant formulas for sale in our stores were recalled by the supplier. Food safety is our top priority and we immediately enacted our recall process with our stores and warehouses as soon as we were notified,” Sobeys said in a statement. All impacted product has been removed from our stores and warehouses…customers can return product to their local store for return.”

Walmart Canada spokesperson Felicia Fefer said Walmart also carried these national brand products in-store and on Walmart.ca.

“At Walmart Canada, food safety is a top priority. Per the recall, (the products) are being removed from sale,” she said.

Metro spokesperson Stephanie Bonk said Metro and Food Basics “are impacted” by the recall and products are being removed from shelves.

“As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections,” said Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response.

There have been no known illnesses, deaths or hospitalizations to date in Canada relating to the recalled products, the CFIA said.

.

Leave a Comment