{"id":703779,"date":"2025-12-16T00:26:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T21:26:21","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-12-16T00:26:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T21:26:21","slug":"walmart-target-kroger-kept-selling-contaminated-baby-formula-fda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/walmart-target-kroger-kept-selling-contaminated-baby-formula-fda\/","title":{"rendered":"Walmart, Target, Kroger kept selling contaminated baby formula: FDA"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3da779ac0a0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3da779ac0a0\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/walmart-target-kroger-kept-selling-contaminated-baby-formula-fda\/#%E2%80%9CWalmart_Target_Kroger_kept_selling_contaminated_baby_formula_FDA%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Walmart, Target, Kroger kept selling contaminated baby formula: FDA&#8221;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CWalmart_Target_Kroger_kept_selling_contaminated_baby_formula_FDA%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Walmart, Target, Kroger kept selling contaminated baby formula: FDA&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2025%2F12%2Ftarget-walmart-get-fda-warning-117393112.jpg?quality%3D90%26strip%3Dall\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Federal regulators <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-12-15\/target-walmart-get-fda-warning-for-selling-recalled-baby-formula?srnd=homepage-americas\">slapped four of the nation\u2019s biggest retailers<\/a> with warning letters after investigators found recalled ByHeart baby formula tied to a botulism outbreak still sitting on store shelves weeks after the recall.<\/p>\n<p>The letters, issued Friday by the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s Human Foods Program, accused <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/walmart-inc-720400-12122025\">Walmart<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/target-corporation-720399-12122025\">Target<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/kroger-company-720464-12122025\">Kroger <\/a>and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/albertsons-companies-incorporated-720465-12122025\">Albertsons <\/a>of continuing to sell or offer for sale \u201cadulterated\u201d infant formula linked to an outbreak that has sickened 51 babies across 19 states, despite repeated recall notices and follow-up warnings from regulators.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA said that the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula was the source of the outbreak, which involves infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by exposure to <em>Clostridium botulinum<\/em> spores \u2014 a dormant, highly resistant survival form of the bacterium <em>Clostridium botulinum<\/em>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Four of the nation\u2019s largest retailers continued selling ByHeart baby formula despite a recall, according to the Food and Drug Administration. <span class=\"credit\">AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>All 51 infants ranging in age from 16 to 264 days old identified in the outbreak were fed ByHeart formula before becoming ill, according to the agency. <\/p>\n<p>ByHeart <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/safety\/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts\/response-broader-fda-investigation-byheart-initiates-voluntary-recall-two-batches-infant-formula\">initiated a voluntary recall of certain lots of its formula<\/a> on Nov. 8, then expanded the recall on Nov. 11 to include all ByHeart infant formula products, including cans and single-serve \u201canywhere pack\u201d sticks.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>But FDA inspectors and state health officials later found recalled formula still for sale at stores operated by the four companies in dozens of locations across the country, the warning letters state.<\/p>\n<p>At Walmart, regulators confirmed recalled ByHeart formula remained on shelves at stores in 21 states from Nov. 12 through Nov. 26, well after the recall had been expanded. <\/p>\n<p>FDA officials said Walmart failed to demonstrate that it had taken corrective action despite multiple follow-up emails and a call with the company\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Target is one of four retailers accused of continuing to sell \u201cadulterated\u201d baby formula. <span class=\"credit\">Christopher Sadowski<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Target faced similar findings. FDA investigators determined recalled formula was available at Target locations in 20 states from Nov. 12 through Nov. 20, even though the company said it had electronically blocked the affected products.<\/p>\n<p>Kroger was cited for keeping recalled ByHeart formula on shelves at stores in 10 states, including Kroger, King Soopers and Smith\u2019s locations, between Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Walmart also received a letter from the FDA warning it about continued sales of contaminated baby formula. <span class=\"credit\">Christopher Sadowski<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Albertsons was flagged for similar failures at stores across 11 states, including subsidiaries Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Star Market and Shaw\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>FDA officials said recalled formula remained available for purchase days after Albertsons was notified of both the initial recall and the expanded recall.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt Albertsons Companies, we are committed to the health and safety of our customers,\u201d a company rep told The Post in an emailed statement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have procedures to address product recalls, including working closely with suppliers and regulators to identify and remove affected items and communicate guidance to customers. ByHeart infant formula products have been removed from our store shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Infant botulism occurs when <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/botulism\/hcp\/clinical-overview\/infant-botulism.html\">babies ingest spores that grow in the immature gut <\/a>and produce a dangerous toxin. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Kroger, the Cincinnati-based supermarket chain, also received a similar warning from the FDA. <span class=\"credit\">Reuters<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Early symptoms often include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control and difficulty swallowing. The condition can progress to respiratory failure.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA said symptoms can take weeks to <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>ear after exposure, complicating efforts to identify contaminated products quickly.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the ongoing investigation, the FDA, CDC and state partners are continuing to analyze unopened formula samples.<\/p>\n<p>Officials cautioned that negative test results do not rule out contamination, given the scientific challenges of detecting the bacteria.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Albertsons, the supermarket conglomerate, received a warning letter from the FDA. <span class=\"credit\">REUTERS<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The FDA warned all four retailers that failure to correct the violations could result in seizure, injunction or other legal action. Each company has been given 15 working days to respond with a plan to prevent recalled products from being received or sold in the future.<\/p>\n<p>The warning letters make clear the agency considers retailers responsible for removing dangerous products once they are notified of a recall, calling im<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a>te removal \u201cessential\u201d to preventing further exposure.<\/p>\n<p>ByHeart has recalled all of its infant formula products nationwide. The investigation into the botulism outbreak remains ongoing.<\/p>\n<p>The Post has sought comment from ByHeart, Kroger, Walmart and Target.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" target=\"_blank\" >News category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/12\/15\/business\/walmart-target-kroger-kept-selling-contaminated-baby-formula-fda\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Walmart, Target, Kroger kept selling contaminated baby formula: FDA&#8221; Federal regulators slapped four of the nation\u2019s biggest retailers with warning letters after investigators found recalled ByHeart baby formula tied to a botulism outbreak still sitting on store shelves weeks after the recall. The letters, issued Friday by the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s Human Foods Program,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[70897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-703779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/703779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=703779"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/703779\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=703779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=703779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=703779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}