A recall for powdered baby formula is being expanded following another report of a dangerous bacterial infection that may have contributed to a child's death.
The recall from Abbott Nutrition now also includes one lot of Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula. Cans with lot code 27032K800 are the only type of this specialty formula being recalled.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday said a child consumed Similac PM 60/40 before getting a Cronobacter sakazakii infection and dying. The agency said the infection "may have been a contributing cause of death" for the child.
On February 17, Abbott issued a recall for certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced at its facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The recalled Similac PM 60/40 formula was also produced at the location.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating at least five reports of illness connected to formula from Abbott's facility in Sturgis. Illnesses occurred in Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas between September 16, 2021 and January 4, 2022. Two children have died.
Four cases involve Cronobacter sakazakii and one involves Salmonella Newport infection, according to the FDA.
Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections or meningitis. Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborns.
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.
Symptoms related to Cronobacter and Salmonella infection include: poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal body movements, lethargy, rash or blood in the urine or stool. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify your child’s healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately.
Consumers should not use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if: 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.
The recall does not include liquid formula products. To find out if the product you have is included in the recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package.
The FDA acknowledged that the recall has created new concerns about the availability of certain types of infant formula, particularly given the overall strains on supply chains experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The FDA is working with Abbott Nutrition to better assess the impacts of the recall and understand the production capacity at other Abbott facilities that produce some of the impacted brands," the agency said in a statement. "As Abbott Nutrition was initiating its recall, the FDA intensified outreach to other infant formula manufacturers to inquire about their capacity and potential impacts. We will continue discussion with Abbott Nutrition and other infant formula manufacturers and consider all tools available to support the supply of infant formula products."
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