FDA recall: Don’t use this baby formula tied to infections
Recalls happen all the time. But it is a bit more serious when it involves kids’ toys or food for children. Now, if you have baby formula from Abbott Nutrition in your house, you must take caution.
The company is initiating a voluntary recall of certain products. All recalled powder infant formula came from the Sturgis, Michigan plant.
Read on to see what the recall entails and what you should do if you have any affected products. Don’t forget to share this story with family and friends who have young children so they can keep them safe.
Here’s the backstory
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning against the use of Abbott Nutrition formulas. An investigation by the FDA, CDC and local agencies looked at several Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products for possibly containing Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.
Before the voluntary recall, the FDA advised consumers not to 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.
An investigation began after parents filed four complaints from three states. All cases led to hospitalization. Healthcare workers suspect the cause of death in one case to be from the bacteria.
This led to the voluntary recall, but Abbott Nutrition was quick to point out that “no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria.”
Here are the products included in the recall:
- Powdered infant formula with the brand names of Similac, Alimentum or EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.
- The code on the bottom of the container starts with the first two digits of 22 through 37.
- K8, SH, or Z2 are found in the multi-digit number code.
- Recalled products have an expiration date of April 1, 2022 or later.
NOTE: The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
You can check if your product is in the recall by going to www.similacrecall.com and typing in the multi-digit code. You can also call 800-986-8540 if you have any questions.
Why this recall is so dangerous
According to the FDA, Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine).
Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and spread through the blood to other parts of the body.
Of the four complaints from the recalled formula, one relates to Salmonella Newport.
The FDA advises that you contact your healthcare provider if your child ingests any recalled product. 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.
Keep reading
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Tags: children, healthcare, recalls
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