(KNSI) — A voluntary recall is underway for three popular brands of baby formula.
Abbott Nutrition is issuing the recall for Similac, Alimentum, and Elecare formula manufactured at Abbott’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
The company says four babies became sick, and one died after consuming the formula, which could potentially be contaminated with Cronobacter. The Food and Drug Administration says three of the babies showed Cronobacter sakazakii illness, which can cause life-threatening sepsis or meningitis. Another was sickened with Salmonella Newport, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and fever. The illnesses were spread over three states, including Minnesota.
Formulas with 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 or later should not be fed to babies. Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted. The FDA advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Consumers should continue to use all products not covered by the advisory.
“As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections,” said Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response. “We want to reassure the public that we’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products, which we recognize include infant formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible.”
Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products and are concerned about their child’s health should contact their child’s health care provider. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should notify your child’s healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately.
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