CANADA – Nestlé Canada has voluntarily recalled its Gerber brand Oat Banana & Mango Baby Cereal due to potential contamination with Cronobacter bacteria.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the recall on August 4, 2024, highlighting the importance of consumer safety in light of this serious health risk.
The recalled product is packaged in 227-gram boxes, identified by the lot code 3334007809, and a best-before date of May 30, 2025.
The CFIA has advised consumers not to consume, sell, serve, or distribute the affected product. Instead, it should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
This cereal has been distributed widely across Canada, including provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, making it crucial for consumers to check their homes for the affected product.
The recall was prompted by routine testing conducted by the CFIA, which revealed the potential presence of Cronobacter spp. in the cereal.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, the CFIA emphasizes that Cronobacter can cause severe health issues, particularly in infants.
According to the agency, “Food contaminated with Cronobacter may not show visible signs of spoilage or have a suspicious odour, but may still cause illness.”
Cronobacter bacteria can lead to serious infections in newborns, including fever, poor feeding, excessive crying, very low energy, and even seizures. In some cases, these infections can be fatal.
The CFIA has stated that while Cronobacter is not commonly associated with human illness, it can result in severe outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants.
Nestlé Canada has confirmed that it has received no complaints or reports of illness related to the recalled product.
In a statement, the company expressed its commitment to consumer safety, stating, “We are working closely with the CFIA and are informing our customers who received these products. We are taking immediate action to ensure that the affected products are removed from store shelves.”
Consumers who have purchased the affected cereal are urged to stop using it immediately. Nestlé has provided contact information for its consumer services, encouraging anyone with questions or concerns to reach out.
As a leading global food and beverage company, Nestlé is responsible for ensuring the safety of its products.
The CFIA continues to monitor the situation and is investigating to determine the source of contamination, which may lead to further actions if necessary.
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