Dollar General Baby Formula Recall: Urgent Alert for Lot Number 30.6df496–j261x5 in Food Due to Cronobacter Contamination
Published: [Current Date] | Updated: January 2025
In a concerning development for parents and caregivers, Dollar General has issued a voluntary recall for a specific lot of its store-brand infant formula due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. The affected lot number is 30.6df496–j261x5 in Food, found in DG Baby Infant Formula (32 oz. containers). This recall, classified as a Class I recall by the FDA—the most serious category—was announced on December 29, 2024, by manufacturer Perrigo Company.
If you’re a parent using Dollar General baby formula, this article provides everything you need to know about the baby formula recall 2024, including health risks, what to do next, and how to protect your infant. With keywords like Cronobacter in baby formula and Dollar General recall lot 30.6DF496-J261X5 surging in searches, staying informed is crucial.
What Products Are Affected by the Dollar General Baby Formula Recall?
The recall targets a single lot of powdered infant formula manufactured by Perrigo for Dollar General:
| Product Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Brand | DG Baby Infant Formula |
| Size | 32 oz. (907 grams) |
| Lot Number | 30.6DF496-J261X5 |
| Best By Date | May 17, 2026 |
| UPC Code | 6 15702 20003 7 |
| Distribution | Sold exclusively at Dollar General stores in the U.S. from December 2024 onward |
| Recall Classification | FDA Class I (high risk of serious health consequences or death) |
No other lots, sizes, or brands are affected. The product was pulled from shelves starting December 28, 2024, but consumers who purchased it before then may still have it at home.
Why Was Lot 30.6df496–j261x5 in Food Recalled? The Cronobacter Threat
The recall stems from routine quality control testing by Perrigo, which detected the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the environment of their Wisconsin manufacturing facility. While the bacteria was not found in the finished product itself, the FDA requires a recall out of caution due to the severe risks to infants.
Understanding Cronobacter Sakazakii
Cronobacter sakazakii is a rare but dangerous bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections, particularly in newborns and infants under 2 months old, premature babies, or those with weakened immune systems. It thrives in powdered infant formula because the product isn’t commercially sterile—unlike ready-to-feed formulas.
According to the CDC:
- Cronobacter infections (known as Cronobacteriosis) have a mortality rate of 12-35% in hospitalized infants.
- Symptoms include fever, poor feeding, irritability, jaundice, grunting breaths, and hypothermia.
- In severe cases, it leads to meningitis, sepsis, or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal infection.
This isn’t the first time Cronobacter has triggered a baby formula recall. The infamous 2022 Abbott Nutrition recall (Similac, Alimentum, EleCare) due to the same bacteria caused multiple infant deaths and hospitalizations, leading to national shortages.
| Key Cronobacter Recalls in Recent Years | Date | Brand(s) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perrigo (DG Baby Formula) | Dec 2024 | Lot 30.6DF496-J261X5 | No illnesses reported yet |
| Abbott Nutrition | Feb 2022 | Similac, Alimentum, EleCare | 4 deaths, 9 hospitalizations |
| Lactalis (Picnic, AMI) | Dec 2021 | Multiple lots | 2 hospitalizations |
As of January 2025, no illnesses have been reported linked to this specific lot, but the FDA urges immediate action.
What Should You Do If You Have Lot 30.6DF496-J261X5?
Parents, do not feed this formula to your baby. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check the Lot Number: Look on the bottom of the can for “30.6DF496-J261X5” and “Best By: 05/17/2026”.
- Stop Using Immediately: Discard any opened or unopened cans.
- Return for Refund: Take the product (with or without receipt) to any Dollar General store for a full refund. No questions asked.
- Contact Support:CompanyContact InfoDollar General1-877-530-2524 (8 AM – 5 PM CT, M-F)Perrigo1-877-885-7387 (8 AM – 5 PM ET, M-F)
Perrigo has also posted recall notices on their website, and Dollar General is actively removing products from shelves.
FDA Investigation and Manufacturer Response
The FDA is conducting an ongoing investigation into Perrigo’s Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin facility. This follows unannounced inspections that identified environmental contamination. Perrigo stated:
“Out of an abundance of caution, Perrigo has recalled this single lot of nutritional powder infant formula distributed under the DG brand… Patient safety is our top priority.”
Dollar General echoed this, emphasizing no other products are impacted.
This recall highlights ongoing challenges in the infant formula industry post-2022 crisis. The FDA has since implemented stricter Cronobacter testing rules, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Cronobacter Infection in Infants
Infants are uniquely vulnerable because their immune systems are immature, and powdered formula is mixed with water—potentially introducing more bacteria if not handled properly.
Symptoms to Monitor (Seek Immediate Medical Help If Seen):
- Fever (the only reliable sign in babies)
- Poor feeding or refusal to eat
- Lethargy or excessive crying
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Seizures or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head)
If your baby has consumed the recalled formula, contact your pediatrician and report to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Preventing Cronobacter Contamination: Tips for Parents
To minimize risks with any powdered infant formula:
- Use boiled and cooled water (boil for 1 minute, cool to no less than 158°F/70°C before mixing).
- Prepare formula fresh each time; don’t save leftovers.
- Opt for ready-to-feed formula for highest-risk infants (newborns, preemies).
- Wash hands, bottles, and nipples thoroughly.
The AAP and CDC recommend these steps amid recurring recalls.
Broader Impact on Baby Formula Supply and Parents
Unlike the 2022 shortage, this recall affects only one lot and brand, so supply chains remain stable. However, it reignites fears for low-income families relying on affordable store brands like Dollar General’s.
Advocacy groups like the Infant Risk Center are pushing for:
- Mandatory Cronobacter testing in finished products.
- Increased FDA funding for inspections.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant with Baby Formula Recalls
The Dollar General baby formula recall for lot 30.6DF496-J261X5 underscores the critical importance of food safety in infant nutrition. While no illnesses are reported yet, the potential for Cronobacter sakazakii contamination demands swift action. Check your pantry, return affected products, and stay updated via FDA recall alerts.
Parents: Your baby’s health comes first. For more on Cronobacter recalls 2024 or infant formula safety, subscribe to our newsletter or bookmark this page.
