A recall of powdered infant formula is expanding to include a specialty formula for infants with certain dietary needs. Since the FDA and CDC began their investigation on Feb. 17, five infants have been hospitalized following consumption of the recalled products, and two deaths have been reported in association with the product.
“The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating consumer complaints and/or reports of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility,” the FDA says. “All of the ill patients are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility.”
Recalled products
Abbott Nutrition is now recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 in addition to select lots of Similac, Alimentu, and EleCare formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan, facility that were recalled last week.
The products are sold throughout the US, and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents and caregivers of infants to check their powdered infant formula before using it.
The recall for Similac PM 60/40 includes lot numbers 27032K80 on cans and 27032K800 on cases.
The previously recalled powdered infant formulas— Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare— can be identified by the 7-to-9-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Do not use these brands if they meet all 3 of the following conditions:
- the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
Parents can also check Similac’s recall website or call 800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided to find out if a formula they use is included in the recall.
If a child’s regular formula is not available, parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices. Georgia WIC participants may return, or exchange recalled formula to the place of purchase or contact their WIC clinic to exchange for replacement vouchers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating five babies in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas who became sick with bacterial infections after consuming the products. Four of the complaints concerned Cronobacter Sakazakii infections and one complaint was Salmonella infection. All five illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two infants.
“We understand that infant formula is the sole source of nutrition for many infants and is an essential product,” the FDA says. “FDA is working with Abbott Nutrition to better assess the impacts of the recall and understand production capacity at other Abbott facilities that produce some of the impacted brands.”
Additional recall information is available on the FDA website or the CDC’s website.
