Powdered Infant Formulas Linked to Salmonella and Cronobacter

Urgent Health Alert: Recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare due to contamination with Salmonella and Cronobacter. Salmonella and Cronobacter can lead to hospitalization or death for compromised individuals including infants.

FDA investigation reports of Salmonella and Cronobacter in Infant Baby Powder Formula

The FDA is investigating complaints of four infant illnesses from three states. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.
The FDA initiated an onsite inspection at the facility. Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter sakazakii results from environmental samples taken by the FDA and adverse inspectional observations by the FDA investigators. A review of the firm’s internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firm’s destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter.

Abbott Laboratories Recall

Abbott Laboratories has announced it is recalling powdered baby formulas, including Similac, made at a Michigan facility after four consumers complained about bacterial infections in infants who consumed the products. The complaints were related to Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria or Salmonella Newport and Abbott will also recall its Alimentum and EleCare baby formulas manufactured at the same plant in Sturgis.
Recalled Powdered Infant Formula Details

The FDA is advising 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.

What should I do if my baby was fed the recalled formula?

If your infant may have been given the recalled formula or is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter or Salmonella infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.