NOV. 4–ATLANTA, GA–Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin announced today that Wyeth Nutrition is voluntarily recalling 1.5 million cans of powdered infant formula because of possible contamination with a type of bacteria that can cause illness.

Certain lots of powdered infant formula manufactured between July 12 and September 25, 2002, may be contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, a food borne pathogen that can in rare cases causes sepsis (bacteria in the blood), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or necrotizing enterocolitis (severe intestinal infection) in newborn infants, particularly premature infants or other infants with weakened immune systems.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this contamination. The formula was distributed nationwide in retail stores.

The affected products can be identified by an expiration / use by date, embossed on the bottom of the can of: 07 28 05, 08 28 05 and 09 28 05.

The products also may be identified by a six-digit character embossed on the bottom of the cans. The first four characters include: K12N through K19N; L07N through L30N; and N03N through N25N. The brands being recalled include: Baby Basics, CVS, Home Best, Healthy Baby, Kozy Kids, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Little Ones, Parent’s Choice, Safeway Select and Walgreen’s.

The contamination was first detected during a special sampling the Food and Drug Administration conducted at the company’s Vermont facility.

Consumers with questions may contact Wyeth Nutrition at 1-888-526-5376.

“Consumers who have purchased the powdered infant formula are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund,” said Commissioner Irvin. “A complete list of the recalled products is available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agr.state