More Lyons Magnus products have been recalled from the market, after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation for Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum in the company’s nutritional beverage items. This is the second time in less than a month the company has had to recall products, bringing the total to 90 items.
The FDA says that the products did not reach commercial sterility specifications and are suspected to contain harmful bacteria.
Including various brands and formats, the company voluntarily recalled 53 products in July. The latest tranche of recalls brings the total to 90 items.
Recalled brands include Oatly, Optimum Nutrition, Premier Protein, Imperial, Stumptown, MRE, Pirq, Kate Farms and Glucerna, including dairy products, plant-based dairy alternatives and protein additives.
Questionable sterility specs
Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum are two bacteria investigated for potential contamination. The FDA specifies the latter has not been found in the products but makes no mention of the former
Root cause analysis indicates that the products did not meet commercial sterility specifications.
“While infection related to Cronobacter sakazakii is rare, the common symptoms of illness could include fever, vomiting and urinary tract infection. However, vulnerable and immunocompromised populations may be more susceptible to infection,” the FDA notes.
On the other hand, the FDA stresses that Clostridium botulinum may lead to extreme food poisoning, including symptoms such as double and blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulties speaking and swallowing and muscle weakness, lasting up to two weeks.
“Botulism poisoning can cause respiratory paralysis, resulting in death, unless assistance with breathing – mechanical ventilation – is provided. Root cause analysis indicates that the products did not meet commercial sterility specifications,” says the FDA.
A growing problem?
Cronobacter sakazakii has also been present in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis Plant in Michigan, US, where five fatal cases of infants have been reported along with additional hospitalizations. This led to the plant shutting down production in February this year, accelerating the US infant formula shortage.
Lyon Magnus says that the recall and bacterial suspicion do not include products for infants up to one year of age.
The FDA urges consumers who purchased the products on the list to return them for a refund, even if they smell and look good, as they may not be safe to consume.
