The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers not to use some powdered baby formulas after identifying four bacterial infections linked to the products. One of the cases was fatal.
Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands of powdered baby formula. The products were manufactured at the company’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
Consumers can investigate if one’s powdered formula is affected by the recall by inspecting the code printed near the expiration date.
“Affected products have a code beginning with first two digits of 22 through 37 and containing K8, SH or Z2 and have an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or later,” the FDA said.
Liquid baby formula and all other products produced by Abbott Nutrition are not affected.
Abbott Nutrition said it is cooperating with the FDA investigation into the three Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one salmonella infection, all of which required hospitalization. The one fatal case has not been confirmed to be solely related to a Cronobacter infection, the FDA said.
The FDA said environmental samples from the Michigan manufacturing facility provided positive results for the Cronobacter bacteria, but there have not yet been reports of salmonella. A review of Abbott’s records show that the company has destroyed products in the past due to the presence of Cronobacter, according to the FDA.
Cronobacter infections are rare but can be especially dangerous for newborn babies.
Symptoms of a Cronobacter infection include poor feeding, jaundice and grunting breaths, according to the FDA. Those infected with salmonella might experience fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps..
“We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition,” Abbott said in a statement provided to NPR. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust and resolve this situation.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director, and National Public Radio
