4 Baby Formulas Recalled After Several Infants Reportedly Fall Sick
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Abbott Nutrition is expanding its recall of powdered baby formulas after several consumers have reportedly fallen sick.
The formulas, made in Sturgis, Michigan and distributed across the country, were sold under four different names: Similac, Similac PM, Alimentum, and EleCare. The affected cans contain various lot numbers. (Abbott Nutrition has set up a hotline and website to determine if your formula was affected.) Each has an expiration date of April 1, or later.
The recalls, which were voluntary, came about after Abbott Nutrtion received four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or salmonella Newport. "All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized," the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote in the release earlier this month. One of the infants may have died as a result of Cronobacter, the FDA adds.
The recall of Similac PM—announced on February 28—was issued after Abbott Nutrition was made aware of the death of a second infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. The child consumed Similac PM 60/40 from the affected lot. "This case is under investigation," the recall notice states. "At this time the cause of the infant's Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined."
Product samples from the Michigan-based facility were taken. They were also taken from the four complaints. All of the tests have come back negative; however, the company did say it found evidence of Cronobacter in non-product areas, and the FDA said that several environment samples from the plant have tested positive for cronobacter.
"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," FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas 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, which we recognize include infant formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible," Yiannas added.
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Parents and caregivers should cease using the affected formulas immediately. You should also contact your child's health care provider if you are worried about their wellbeing.
For more information on Cronobacter and infant formula, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
