Gerber Good Start Baby Formula Recall Issued Due to Off-Odor

At least one batch of Gerber Good Start Gentle formula has been recalled amid reports of bad an “off-odor” associated with the powdered infant formula, which may have caused some babies to suffer gastrointestinal complaints.

The Gerber infant formula recall was announced on March 8, impacting Good Start Gentle powdered formula from batch GXP1684, which was sold in 23.2 ounce plastic bottles.

Although the manufacturer indicates that the recalled infant formula does not pose a health or safety risk, they indicate that some consumers have reported that their babies spit up or suffered other gastrointestinal problems after consuming Gerger Good Start Gentle formula that had an odor.

Gerber has offered to provide a replacement to consumers who purchased Good Start Gentle baby formula from the recalled batch, and maintains that no other Gerber or Gerber Good Start products are impacted.

The recalled baby formula was sold in large plastic containers, with “GXP1684” printed on the bottom. Impacted packages also contain a “Use by” date of March 5, 2013.

This is at least the third major baby formula recall issued over the past two years. In 2010, Abbott Laboratories issued a Similac formula recall after some cans were found to be infested with beetles and their larvae. A number of parents complained that their children suffered diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress after consuming the Similac formula.

Late last year, Wal-Mart recalled Enfamil baby forumla after it was suspected in the death of two infants due to a rare bacterial infection that is typically linked to contaminated baby formula. However, following investigations by the FDA and CDC, no signs of bacterial contamination were discovered in the recalled Enfamil baby formula.

Parents who have Gerber Good Start baby formula that is impacted by this latest recall have been urged to contact Gerber Parents Resource Center at 1-800-487-7763 to obtain information about replacement packages.