FDA Alert: Baby Formula Recall Impacts Health in Bowling Green

Parents in Bowling Green spent the morning turning cans of powdered formula over in their kitchens, checking lot codes and “use by” dates. The urgency follows a federal safety alert linking cases of infant botulism to specific lots of a popular baby formula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recall notice posted this week (FDA).

Infant botulism is rare but serious, and early treatment matters, public health officials say. The FDA urged families to stop using the recalled lots immediately and contact a pediatrician if an infant shows symptoms such as constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, or unusual limpness, guidance that aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s clinical overview (CDC).

Tracing the Source: What We Know

Federal investigators began a trace-back after multiple infant botulism cases were reported and a common exposure to a powdered formula brand and lot codes emerged, the FDA said in its safety alert. The manufacturer initiated a voluntary recall of the affected lots while testing and environmental reviews continue under FDA oversight (FDA recalls portal).

The recall applies only to the specific product configurations and lot codes listed in the FDA notice; other formulas from the same maker are not implicated, according to the agency. Officials emphasized that botulism in infants is typically linked to ingestion of C. botulinum spores, and that commercial recalls are issued out of caution when epidemiologic links are identified during investigations (CDC overview).

A preliminary timeline in the FDA alert shows the first case report reached regulators earlier this month, followed by rapid retail notifications and a company-led withdrawal from distribution centers. Additional product testing and facility inspections are ongoing, and the agency said updates will be posted as new results come in (FDA outbreak and investigations hub).

The Impact on Bowling Green Families

In a city with a growing share of young families and WKU students raising newborns, the recall has practical ripple effects. Pediatric clinics in Bowling Green, including Med Center Health-affiliated practices and Graves Gilbert Clinic, are fielding calls on safe substitutions and feeding plans, staff said in routine patient advisories.

Local health guidance mirrors the federal playbook: do not feed any product that matches recalled lot codes, consider switching to an unaffected formula or temporary alternatives approved by your pediatrician, and monitor infants for early neurologic symptoms. Fairview Community Health Center and other practices have reminded families to keep labels and receipts to facilitate refunds and reporting if needed.

Grocery trips are also changing this week as parents find some empty shelf tags where affected products typically sit. While supply remains stable for unaffected brands, families report calling ahead to stores to confirm availability and to avoid last-minute switches that can upset feeding routines.

Voices of Concern and Official Responses

The FDA characterized the situation as a targeted recall designed to remove specific lots tied to case reports while broader testing proceeds. Kentucky’s Department for Public Health has relayed that families should follow the FDA’s lot-code guidance and consult clinicians promptly for concerning symptoms, aligning with standard statewide practice during formula recalls.

Regionally, the Barren River District Health Department, which serves Warren County, said it is monitoring federal updates and stands ready to assist clinicians with reporting and coordination. Parents who suspect illness related to a recalled product can also consult Kentucky Poison Control for immediate guidance while arranging medical care.

Community and Business Reactions

Major retailers in Bowling Green—such as Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Meijer—routinely remove recalled products upon notice and post refund instructions on their recall pages. Families can check store-specific updates here: Kroger Recalls, Walmart Recalls, and Target Recalls.

Local grocers have encouraged shoppers to bring in affected cans—even opened ones—for refunds or exchange per standard recall practice. Community groups that often support young families, including neighborhood associations and campus-affiliated parenting networks, are sharing the FDA lot-code lists and CDC symptom checkers to help parents verify products quickly.

What’s Next for Families and Officials

Parents can take three immediate steps: verify any formula against the FDA’s lot codes; stop using recalled cans and request a refund from retailers or the manufacturer; and call a pediatrician if an infant develops early symptoms consistent with botulism. If an infant has trouble breathing, call 911.

Investigators are continuing product testing and plant inspections, which could expand or narrow the recall as results come back, according to the FDA. State and local health departments will update providers if clinical guidance changes or if additional products are implicated.

How to check your formula right now

• Find the lot code and “use by” date on the bottom or side of the container.

• Compare to the FDA’s recall list: FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts.

• For help identifying codes, call the manufacturer’s consumer line listed in the FDA notice or ask your retailer’s customer service desk.

Resources

• FDA recall details and lot codes: FDA Safety Alerts

• Symptom guide and clinical overview: CDC — Infant Botulism

• Local public health: Barren River District Health Department (270-781-8039)

Kentucky Poison Control (24/7): 1-800-222-1222

• Med Center Health Urgent Care (Bowling Green): (270) 796-3520

What to Watch

The FDA plans to post additional testing results and any changes to the recall scope on its safety alerts page in the coming days. State health officials will notify providers if case definitions or reporting criteria change. We’re monitoring local supply conditions at Bowling Green retailers and will update if availability or substitution guidance shifts for families.