Don’t Use These Recalled Infant Formulas, FDA Says
At least four infants have been hospitalized with bacterial infections associated with Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula, prompting a voluntary recall, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . One death has also been reported, but is not currently confirmed to be solely due to a bacterial infection.
The FDA is currently investigating the Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan, where all of the recalled products were made, but in the meantime has issued an advisory advising people to stop using and purchasing the recalled formula. This comes at a time when infant formula was already in short supply due to labor shortages.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including the products included and what to do if you have them.
Why is infant formula being recalled?
As of Friday, February 18, 2022, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have received numerous reports of bacterial infections in infants caused by Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella , all of which have been associated with the consumption of powdered infant formula produced by to the same plant in Michigan. So far, none of the distributed products have tested positive for these harmful bacteria, but testing will continue.
What infant formulas are responding?
The recall includes several varieties of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare dry infant formulas. The recall does not apply to liquid formula products or any metabolic deficient nutritional formulas. Products were sold throughout the country, as well as in Canada and in many countries around the world.
To find out if Similac, Alimentum and EleCare dry formulas are subject to recalls, look for the seven or nine digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Products are included in the review if they have all three of the following:
- the first two digits of the code from 22 to 37; as well as
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; as well as
- the validity period is 04/01/2022 (April 2022) or later.
You can also enter the batch code of the product on the company website to see if it is part of a recall.
What to do if you have a retracted formula
Do not give the infant any of the recalled formulas.
If your regular formula is included in the recall, the FDA encourages parents and caregivers to contact their child’s pediatrician for advice on an alternative. However, they should not dilute infant formula, make or feed homemade formula to infants , or buy imported formula through online sales because it may be counterfeit .
To find out if you qualify for a refund or replacement (depending on how and where you purchased the formula), go to similacrecall.com and follow the instructions. You can also call Similac Support at 1-800-986-8540.