Hero baby formula has been recalled in the United Arab Emerites (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait for potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii).  

The recalls came after the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority found a batch of 150-gram Hero follow-up formula packages manufactured on May 12, 2009 and expiring on May 11, 2010 to be contaminated with cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.  The UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water recalled the contaminated product in on Jan. 17.

The formula, a breast milk alternative for infants over six months old, was manufactured in Turkey.

Following the UAE withdrawal of the product, the Saudi Food and Drugs Authority announced that the Hero baby formula was being recalled on Jan. 28, and the Kuwait Municipality ordered a recall of the formula on Feb. 3.  

UAE officials planned to destroy the formula or return it to the Turkish manufacturer.  Kuwaiti officers visited warehouses to ensure the distribution of the product was discontinued and took samples of the Hero baby formula for testing.