Baby cereal recalled over potentially deadly bacterial contamination

Parents have been warned to check their baby cereal after a brand announced a recall due to a possible bacterial contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in a public notice that Baby Gourmet Foods’ Banana Raisin Oatmeal Organic Whole Grain Cereal – which is sold in 227-gram packets – has been recalled across Canada.

CFIA said the product could contain the Cronobacter bacteria.

Products contaminated with the bacteria “may not look or smell spoiled,” CFIA said, but could still make anyone that consumes them sick.

In rare cases, the agency added, Cronobacter can cause serious illness or even death.

It added: “Cronobacter can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns.”

CFIA said the recall has been issued after testing.

Baby Gourmet Foods, which is based in Calgary, said no incidents associated with the product have been reported.

Anyone in possession of the cereal should dispose of it immediately or return it to the location where it was purchased, CFIA said.