If you have an infant that uses powdered baby formula, you'll want to pay close attention to this recall.
Abbott Nutrition is voluntarily recalling three types of infant formula after four children became sick with bacteria infections after consuming the products.
The recall is for certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas that were manufactured at Abbott's production facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
The company said the products may be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.
The products have been linked to four illnesses (three for Cronobacter and one for Salmonella) spanning three states: Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized. One death has been reported but has not been confirmed to be solely attributable to a Cronobacter infection.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products.
"As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections," Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said in a statement. "We want to reassure the public that we're working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products."
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The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.
To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call 1-800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided. No action is needed for previously consumed product.
The FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at the facility. Findings to date include several positive test results for Cronobacter sakazakii. Abbott said it also found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. No evidence of Salmonella Newport was located.
Abbott said no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria.
"All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released," the company said in a statement. "Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport."
No Abbott liquid formulas, other powder formulas, or nutrition products from other facilities are impacted by the recall.
Cronobacter sakazakii is commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home. It can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms.
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases, may become fatal.
Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products, and are concerned about the health of their child, should contact their healthcare provider. 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.
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"We know parents depend on us to provide them with the highest quality nutrition formulas," Joe Manning, Abbott's Executive Vice President of Nutritional Products said in a statement. "We're taking this action so parents know they can trust us to meet our high standards, as well as theirs. We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals."
Products made at the Sturgis facility were shipped across the United States.
The FDA is continuing to investigate and will provide additional consumer safety information when it becomes available.
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