February 18, 2022
Updated: March 2, 2022
Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
850-245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan. This is an ongoing investigation, and Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of the potentially affected product. The FDA’s full press release can be found here.
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.
As of February 28, 2022, in addition to products described above, Abbott has additionally recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case). At this time, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) are the only type and lots of this specialty formula being recalled.
If your child is experiencing any Cronobacter infection symptoms or Salmonella symptoms, you should seek medical care for your child immediately.
Information for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers can check if their powdered infant formula is part of the recall by:
- Comparing the lot code and use-by date on the bottom of the package to the recall information.
- Visiting Abbott’s website here and entering the product lot code on the bottom of the package.
- Calling 1-800-986-8540 and following the instructions provided.
If you have any recalled powdered infant formula, immediately stop use and return it for a refund at the store where you bought it. You can also return it to Abbott. Parents and caregivers should also contact their health care provider for guidance on alternative infant formula use.
At this time, only Florida Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program clients with prescriptions for alternate infant formulas due to certain medical conditions would receive any of the recalled Abbott powdered infant formula products. Florida WIC clients who receive Abbott’s soy-based infant formulas are not impacted by this recall.
The Florida Department of Health, through the Florida WIC program, has identified WIC clients potentially impacted by the recall. For those clients who are impacted, the Florida WIC program is working with them and, if needed, their health care providers to replace the recalled powdered infant formula products with alternative ones.
Consumer safety reminder for Florida WIC clients: If you are an impacted Florida WIC client, do not use the recalled powdered infant formula and do not discard or throw it out. Any impacted Florida WIC client who needs more information on how to return recalled powdered infant formula for alternative replacements should contact their local WIC office. Contact information for local WIC offices can be found online here or by calling 1-800-342-3556.
Disease Investigation and How to Report an Illness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA are investigating consumer complaints of infant illness related to Abbott’s recalled powdered infant formula products and possible Cronobacter and Salmonella contamination.
Please contact your county health department if your infant has been diagnosed with Cronobacter or Salmonella infection and consumed recalled powdered infant formula products. County health department contact information can be found here.
Additional Informational
Information regarding the FDA’s investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints in Abbott’s powdered infant formulas can be found here.
Information regarding Abbott’s voluntarily recall of powder formulas can be found on the FDA’s website here. Abbott also issued a press release, which can be found here.
The CDC’s Cronobacter illnesses linked to powdered infant formula webpage can be found here.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
Originally published at https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2022/02/20220218-fda-warns-consumers.pr.html
