"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent letters to leaders at Walmart, Target, Kroger and Albertsons, saying the companies continued to sell ByHeart infant formula for days or weeks, despite a Nov. 11 recall of all products in the outbreak that has sickened more than 50 babies in 19 states. "As a participant in the supply chain, your firm should take prompt and effective action when notified of a product recall," FDA officials said in warning letters sent to the companies on Dec. 12 and posted online Monday."
"The formula was found at Target stores in 20 states "well after the recall was initiated," one letter said. In addition, it was sold at a Target store in New Hampshire on Nov. 16, despite an electronic block on the product's sales code, the FDA noted. And at a Target store in Arkansas, single-serve packs of ByHeart formula were promoted with a "Sale!" sign and a $2 discount from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22."
"In addition, the companies failed to provide FDA with evidence that corrective actions have been put in place, despite multiple requests, the agency said. The companies have 15 working days to respond to the letters. Walmart officials said in a statement that no ByHeart formula was sold after cash registers were blocked from selling the formula following the recall."
Federal health officials found that Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Albertsons continued to sell ByHeart infant formula after a Nov. 11 recall linked to a botulism outbreak that sickened more than 50 babies in 19 states. The FDA issued warning letters on Dec. 12 stating the product remained on shelves and was sold despite electronic sales blocks and promotions at some stores. State and local reports showed the formula at Walmart in 21 states, Target in 20, Albertsons in 11, and Kroger in 10 between Nov. 12 and Nov. 26. The retailers have 15 working days to respond and had not provided evidence of corrective actions when requested.
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