(OPGOV GLOBAL) – Baby food and infant formula recalls continued into 2026, involving products recalled over possible plastic contamination, bacterial toxins and the potential presence of bacteria linked to serious illness.
The recalls followed decades of food-safety incidents that led to changes in how infant formula and other foods for young children were regulated.
In January, Gerber Products Company recalled limited batches of its Arrowroot Biscuits because the products could contain small pieces of plastic or paper. The recall covered products distributed between August 2025 and January 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recall notice said no injuries or illnesses had been reported.
In May, the a2 Milk Company recalled more than 63,000 containers of A2 Platinum infant formula after three batches were found to contain cereulide, a toxin associated with Bacillus cereus.
The FDA recall notice said no illnesses had been reported when the recall was announced.
The recalls became more serious in June, when Nara Organics recalled all lots of its infant formula during an investigation into an outbreak of infant botulism. The FDA investigation involved three infants who were hospitalized with confirmed infant botulism. The FDA said the infants had consumed Nara Organics formula before becoming ill. No deaths had been reported.
The Nara recall came amid continued attention to infant formula safety following earlier outbreaks and recalls.
Photo Credit: U.S. Food and Drug Administration / Website / Powdered infant formula products faced heightened regulatory scrutiny following investigations into potential bacterial contamination.
OpGov.News previously reported on Abbott Laboratories' agreement to pay nearly $385 million to resolve federal and state allegations related to the manufacturing and sale of infant formula in “Abbott Agreed to Nearly $385 Million Settlement Over Infant Formula Allegations.”
The case stemmed from scrutiny of Abbott's Sturgis, Michigan, facility following a 2022 FDA investigation into concerns involving Cronobacter.
In July, PT Organics Limited recalled select Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry Fruit Puree pouches after some could contain thin strands of clear plastic. The FDA said the affected 4-ounce pouches were sold at Kroger, Meijer, and Target between March 6 and July 13. Other Pumpkin Tree products and flavors were not included in the recall.
Photo Credit: Consumer Report / Pumpkin Tree / Website / Packaging and expiration details highlight a pouch of Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry fruit puree recalled due to potential foreign material contamination.
These recalls occurred as foodborne illnesses and food-safety concerns received broader attention. OpGov.News examined that issue in “Why Are There So Many Foodborne Illness Cases This Year?” written by OpGov.News reporter Teri Tracey, which reviewed several major foodborne illness incidents reported during 2026 and the challenges surrounding food-safety oversight.
Infant formula safety has been shaped by earlier incidents as well. In 1978, a formulation error resulted in infant formulas with inadequate chloride levels and was associated with serious illnesses. Congress responded by passing the Infant Formula Act of 1980, which established additional requirements for the composition and quality of infant formula.
Three decades later, the 2008 melamine contamination crisis in China prompted the recall of large quantities of infant formula and other dairy products. Melamine had been added to products to artificially increase measured protein levels. The contamination was linked to kidney problems and deaths among infants.
The 2022 Abbott recall and subsequent nationwide shortage again demonstrated how a problem involving a major formula manufacturer could affect families far beyond the products directly recalled.
Photo Credit: WGN-TV / Website / Packaged baby food purées remained under public and regulatory oversight amid ongoing inquiries into early childhood nutrition standards.
The 2026 recalls involved different products and hazards, but each demonstrated the importance of identifying contamination or manufacturing problems before affected products reach consumers. FDA recall notices have advised parents and caregivers to check product names, lot numbers, and expiration or use-by dates before using recalled products.
As recalls continued throughout 2026, federal agencies and manufacturers remained responsible for identifying affected products, notifying consumers, and removing recalled products from the market.
Thumbnail Photo Credit: International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) / Website / A graphic illustration depicts the broad impact of infant formula and baby food recalls across various product lines throughout 2026.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at victoria.o@lead4earth.org.
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