Popular Powered Infant Formula Recall

We always write this blog with our readers’ utmost safety in mind. With this, we feel a responsibility to alert you to any significant recalls related to your child’s health. This time, we’re here to report about a popular infant formula recall.  As such, you should take this warning very seriously. For more information, read on.

What is Being Recalled?

For this particular infant formula recall, three brands are affected. Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled certain batches of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare. It should be noted, all recalled products are powdered. In all cases, the formulas were produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility.

Although the recalled formulas were produced in one location, the products were distributed across the United States as well as nearly 40 other countries.

Why is This Infant Formula Recall Happening? 

As it turns out, the recalled formulas may be contaminated with Cronobacter. Whereas some recalls are precautionary, this one has been linked to four consumer complaints of infant hospitalizations. Of these complaints, three reported Cronobacter sakazakii infections. Another indicated a Salmonella infection. In one case, Cronobacter may have been a factor in a death.

In response, the FDA, CDC and its state and local partners are investigating. From environmental samples taken at the Sturgis, MI facility, several positive Cronobacter results were found. 

How to Identify the Recalled Items

As we mentioned above, all recalled formulas are powdered. Consumers should continue to use any formulas not included in this recall. However, if you do own one of these infant formula recall products, you should stop using it immediately. Below, you will find some details on how to identify a recalled product:

Consumers should refer to the code and expiration date on the bottom of their Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formula package. If your product matches all three of these indicators, it is a recalled item:

• 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.

Additionally, you can enter your product lot code on the company’s website.

About Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella  

Cronobacter is a bacteria that can result in severe foodborne illness, including sepsis or meningitis. Though these infections are rare, they are especially high risk for infants. According to the CDC, this germ can live in very dry places such as “dry foods, like powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches.”

According to the FDA announcement, symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include: “poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movement. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.”

Salmonella are also bacteria that can make you sick. Often, symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Sometimes, it can cause infections throughout the body, including urine, blood, bones and elsewhere.

Seeking Medical Assistance

If your child is experiencing the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical care immediately.

To report a complaint related to this infant formula recall, you can call the FDA, complete a form online or fill out a paper form that can be mailed to FDA.