The Food and Drug Administration is alerting the public to the voluntary recall of powdered infant formula announced by Wyeth Nutritionals Inc., Georgia, Vermont. Certain lots of powdered infant formula manufactured between July 12 and September 25, 2002, may be contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii. E. sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen that can in rare cases cause 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 to date in connection with this contamination.

The powdered infant formula was distributed nationwide in retail stores and amounts to approximately 1.5 million cans. The contamination was first detected during a special E. sakazakii sampling FDA conducted at the Vermont facility. This special sampling and analysis is being conducted at all major, domestic manufacturers of powdered infant formula. Consumers who have purchased the powdered infant formula are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.