FOOD SAFETY ALERT: CERTAIN ABBOTT POWDERED INFANT FORMULA PRODUCTS
BACKGROUND
- Abbott is recalling its Similac®, Alimentum ®, and EleCare® infant formula powders manufactured at its Sturgis, Mich. plant after four consumer complaints of infant illnesses with symptoms matching Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport.
- All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating consumer complaints of these infections and is advising consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.
- These products may have been released in Mesa County.
DESCRIPTION OF RECALLED PRODUCTS
Do not 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.
The product must have these codes in its lot number and must not expire until 1APR2022 or later to be considered recalled.
To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided.
WHAT IS CRONOBACTER SAKAZAKII?
- Cronobacter sakazakii are a group of bacteria most commonly found in dry foods, including powdered infant formula, skimmed milk powder, herbal teas, and starches. It has also been found in wastewater.
- Cronobacter illnesses are rare, but they are frequently lethal for infants, with a mortality rate as high as 40%.
- Cronobacter can cause several different kinds of infections, and symptoms vary with both the site of infection and the age of the patient. In infants, Cronobacter usually causes sepsis or severe meningitis. Some infants may experience seizures. Those with meningitis may develop brain abscesses or infarcts, hydrocephalus, or other serious complications that can cause long-term neurological problems.
WHAT IS SALMONELLA NEWPORT?
- Salmonella Newport is a serotype of Salmonella, causing symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days.
- Most people recover without specific treatment and should not take antibiotics. Antibiotics are typically used only to treat people who have severe illness or who are at risk for it.
- Salmonella are a group of bacteria that causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the source for most of these illnesses.
WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS DO?
- Consumers who have any of these products are urged not to consume the product and to discard it immediately.
- Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.