formula pulled from wal-martNot the story you want to hear about ever -- much less right in time for the holidays. But if you're feeding your baby formula, you might want to stop for a moment and take a look at what's happening in Lebanon, Missouri, where a 10-day-old baby has died. Avery Cornett was hospitalized after appearing lethargic and seemingly having stomach pains. Tests showed the baby had contracted a rare bacterial infection, Cronobacter sakazakii. Tragically, baby Avery died from the infection and now local health officials are trying to discover the source of the bacteria.

Naturally, this is where the formula comes in, as that is what baby Avery was eating at the time of his death.

Since Avery's parents bought Enfamil at their local Wal-Mart, the big box store has been preemptive and pulled all of the 12.5-ounce cans of Enfamil with the lot number ZP1K7G from their shelves. It is NOT a recall, but a cautionary move in case the formula does contain this bacteria. As of right now, the lot was tested for the Cronobacter bacteria (as it was before it went on the shelves) and the tests are negative. This means the formula could go back on the shelves. But for now, check your Enfamil.

When a tragedy such as this occurs, the smart thing to do is to investigate every possible angle to prevent another death. It seems unlikely -- at this point -- that the Enfamil had anything to do with this baby's bacterial infection, but it's still a smart move by Wal-Mart. The water used to prepare the formula is also being tested, and I'm thinking the hospital where this baby was born should be looked at as well.

For the health and safety of everyone in and around Lebanon, Missouri, I do hope the cause of this bacteria is discovered quickly. Even though Enfamil will surely suffer a blow, possibly through no fault of their own, it's crucial that this step be taken.

More from The Stir: How to Safely Feed Formula in Wake of the Recent Scare

Do you use Enfamil?


Image via nerissa'sring/Flickr