As a follow up to the Press Release issued on Thursday, 24th February 2022, captioned, Ministry of Health issues warning concerning powdered infant formulas manufactured by Abbott (Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare®), the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) wishes to inform the public that Abbott has since expanded the recall.
The voluntary recall affects one of Abbott’s manufacturing facilities located in Sturgis, Michigan, USA and involves one lot of Similac® PM 60/40 [Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)]. The recall occurred after Abbott became aware of an infant's death (who tested positive for the bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii) following consumption of Similac® PM 60/40 from the abovementioned lot. The case remains under investigation.
The recall does not impact Abbott liquid formulas, powder formulas, or nutrition products from other facilities. Consumers are advised not to use this product or any of the previously recalled products [the 1st two digits of the code are 22 through 37, and the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2 with an expiration date of April 2022 or later (see picture below)].
Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Cronobacter sakazakii is commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home. The bacteria have been associated with severe intestinal infections and blood poisonings (especially in newborns) and may cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections. The bacteria can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying, low energy, and other serious symptoms.
Therefore, the MoHHS implores all local healthcare facilities and other local suppliers to:
- Immediately stop supplying the affected batches of the brands listed above.
- Notify your overseas vendors.
- Quarantine all remaining stock(s) of the identified brands for possible disposal by the Environmental Health Department.
Additionally, the MoHHS wishes to implore consumers to verify if they have any of these products in their possession. If so, they should stop using the affected products immediately and contact their respective local suppliers. Consumers may contact the Environmental Health Department at 338-2142 for more information on how best to dispose of these powdered formulas. If your child displays any of the symptoms listed above after consuming the recalled products, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The MoHHS’ top priority is to ensure public health safety and will therefore continue to monitor this situation as investigations continue.
For further information, please contact the MoHHS at 338-3072.
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