Health Department

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administration office at 10777 Main Street in Fairfax is open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Clinic services are not offered at this location.
703-246-2411 TTY 711
10777 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Health

Department Resources

Infant Nutrition

Good nutrition during the first 2 years of life is vital for healthy growth and development. Starting good nutrition practices early can help children develop healthy dietary patterns.

Infant Formula

A cradled baby drinks from a bottle.If you are feeding your baby infant formula, there are some important things to know. Learn more from the CDC about  how to choose, prepare, and store your infant’s formula. 

Infant Formula Recalls

On December 30, 2023, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition announced a voluntarily recall of select batches of 12.6 and 19.8 oz. cans of Nutramigen powder infant formula due to possible Conobacter sakazkii contamination. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, and it is likely most of the product that was distributed in the U.S. has already been consumed. Consumers, including WIC participants, who have affected product should stop using it and throw it away or contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson at 866-534-9986 or consumer.relations@rb.com.

The following recalled product batch codes and can size associated with each batch were distributed in the U.S.:

  • ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
  • ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
  • ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
  • ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
  • ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
  • ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)

The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”.

For more information about the recall, see Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Certain Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powdered Infant Formula Products.

March 17, 2023: Perrigo Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula

Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.

This product is sold at retailers across the U.S. Consumers who purchased the product after March 5, 2023 should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package. No other lot codes are impacted by this recall. Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product.

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 12.4 oz:
300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 30.6 oz:
301357652Z – USE BY 14JUL2024
301457652Z – USE BY 15JUL2024
301557651Z – USE BY 16JUL2024

Gerber Good® Start® SootheProTM 19.4 oz:
301557652Z – USE BY 16JUL2024I

Consumers can request refunds for impacted products and find more information about Gerber® Good Start® by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo at 1-800-777-7690 anytime 24/7. Consumers with any health-related questions should contact their healthcare provider.

See photo and more detailed information about this recall from the FDA.

February 20, 2023: Prosobee 12.9 oz Simply Plant Based Infant Formula Recall

Reckitt has chosen to voluntarily recall two select batches of ProSobee 12.9 oz. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possibility of cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. All product distributed went through extensive testing and tested negative for the bacteria.

Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. The batches in question can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024.”  .

No other ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula batches or other Reckitt products are impacted. 

See photos and learn more about this recall.

Find information about other formula recalls:

Update: October 2022

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fl oz/59 ml bottles of ready-to-feed liquid products. These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. If spoiled product is consumed, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting could result. 

In the U.S., certain lots of Similac 360 Total Care, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Special Care 24, Similac Pro-Total Comfort, Similac NeoSure, Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution. Additional products were distributed to other countries as well. 

WIC clients may be affected by the Similac Special care 24 and NeoSure recall. Call your WIC office with questions.

Please check your lot number and see additional details. 

Update: August 10, 2022

Lyons Magnus has expanded the voluntary recall to include the following products:

  • Pediatric Peptide 1.0 Vanilla
  • Standard 1.0 Vanilla
  • Standard 1.4 Plain
  • Peptide 1.5 Plain
  • Pediatric Standard 1.2 Vanilla
  • Pediatric Peptide 1.5 Vanilla

The recall is due to potential microbial contamination including from the organisms Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. If you/your child is experiencing any related symptoms or illness please immediately contact your medical provider.

The impacted products are within a select number of lots.  

Earlier 2022 Recalls

There is a recall of potentially affected  infant formula products, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered formulas. Do not to use Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare or one lot of Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formulas if: 

  • the first two digits of the code are 22-37; and 
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2; and 
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
  • Or if the Similac PM 60/40 is Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case).

To see if your powdered formula is part of the recall, visit this website or call Abbott Customer Service at 1-800-986-8540.

If your infant formula is affected by the recall, do not use it! If you are a WIC participant, find more information on the WIC page about the steps you can take.

For more information, see FDA Investigation page.

Getting sick from Cronobacter does not happen often, but infections in infants can be deadly. Cronobacter infections in infants less than 12 months old are often linked to powdered infant formula. If you feed your baby powdered infant formula, you can take steps to protect your baby from sickness.

Learn more about Cronobacter and how to keep your baby safe.


Formula Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your infant’s formula:

Tips if your formula is hard to find:

  • Call a store to check on the stock or check the online inventory before going to purchase formula.
  • Check smaller markets and drug stores when the big box stores and supermarkets are out.
  • Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can suggest a formula that is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula that may be available in stores.
  • Try a different formula if your baby is not on a restricted diet and has no major health problems. If you are a WIC participant, see the WIC page for more information. 
  • If you choose to shop online, purchase only from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies rather than individually sold or auction sites. You may not know what you’re actually getting, and there is little or no control over pricing.
  • You can also consider buying formula that's made outside of the United States in U.S. stores. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed these formula companies to market certain products in the U.S. Find Resources for Parents and Caregivers on Imported Infant Formula from the FDA.
  • Purchase only a 10-14-day supply each time. It appears unlikely that the supply is going to run out, and hoarding will only make shortages worse.

Do not make homemade infant formula or water down formula. 

This can be dangerous for your baby.

Adding extra water to infant formula to stretch it out is not safe and can put the infant at nutritional risk and lead to serious health problems. Always follow the instructions on the formula.

Recipes for homemade formulas may be circulating on the internet, but they are NOT SAFE. Even if only safe ingredients are used, these formulas will not provide adequate nutrition. Learn more about these concerns from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Only medical professionals are qualified to provide advice on acceptable alternatives to formulas that may currently be difficult to find. Please talk with your pediatrician about safe and appropriate feeding alternatives for your child if needed.

Breastfeeding

A mother breastfeeds her baby.Breast milk is a great source of nutrition for your baby. It can also reduce the risk for certain health conditions for both infants and mothers.

Find information from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. 

Following recommended storage and preparation techniques can maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk for the baby’s health. Learn more about Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk.

Find information and support

If you are interested in starting to breastfeed and/or increasing your breastmilk production, speak with a breastfeeding expert. Your health care provider can provide a referral or you can search for a lactation consultant from the United States Lactation Consultant Association or the International Lactation Consultant Association.  

The CDC and La Leche League offers support for those who are breastfeeding as well as those who want to re-lactate.

Additional support and information is available in Virginia from:

Additional Resources

Infant and Toddler Nutrition

FDA Questions & Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula

People at Risk: Children Under Five (FoodSafety.gov)

Information for Families During the Formula Shortage

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to improve the health of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five years of age. Participants must meet categorical, income, residential and nutrition risk eligibility requirements.

Learn more about WIC Services

Coordinated Services Planning connects Fairfax County residents to county- and community-based services and resources that promote self-sufficiency and enhance well-being. 

Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM


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