If your child is suffering a Cronobacter or Salmonella infection after being fed recalled baby formula Similac PM 60/40, EleCare, or Alimentum, contact OnderLaw’s child protection unit at (844) 346-3457.
The FDA is investigating the illnesses or deaths of five infants due to Cronobacter or Salmonella infection. All of the infants were fed EleCare, Similac PM 60/40, or Alimentum powdered baby formula manufactured in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. Though the company claims it has not found either bacteria in lots of the formula, there may be a link. Liquid formula has not been recalled.
The FDA is advising parents avoid using recalled the recalled powdered infant formulas. Recalled products can be identified by the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package (see image below). Products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:
- 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.
- Similac PM with codes 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case)
If your child is suffering a Cronobacter or Salmonella infection after being fed one of these products, contact OnderLaw’s child protection unit at (844) 346-3457.
Click here to find out if a lot you have is involved.
Cronobacter or Salmonella infection, such as seizures, not eating well, irritability, fever or changes in temperature, jaundice, breathing difficulty, lethargy, seizures, rashes, or blood in the urine or stool, contact your pediatrician or physician immediately.
On February 28, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the most recent infant death related to Cronobacter sakazakii.
In total, this investigation includes four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants (three from FDA complaints and one from a CDC case finding) and one complaint of a Salmonella Newport infection in an infant. All five (four Cronobacter infections and one Salmonella Newport infection) illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two patients.
The most recent patient was reported to have been fed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 product with the lot code 27032K800 prior to Cronobacter sakazakii infection. FDA and CDC informed the firm of these findings and on February 28, 2022, Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula with the lot code 27032K800.
The affected lots have been distributed throughout the U.S. and Israel. According to the CDC, If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.
If your child is suffering a Cronobacter or Salmonella infection after being fed one of these products, contact OnderLaw’s child protection unit at (844) 346-3457.
Additional recall information for the initial recall is available on the FDA website.
Additional Information for Parents and Caregivers:
The recalls do not include liquid formula products. Consumers should continue to use all product not included in the recalls.
Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Consumers should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit.
If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.
If you get infant formula through WIC, do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should take it to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. WIC recipients should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more guidance. Also see:
More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on CDC’s website.
Recalled powdered infant formulas have the potential to be contaminated with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness primarily in infants. Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborn infants (see symptoms below).
Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify your child’s healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately. Healthcare providers and health departments are encouraged to report any confirmed cases of Cronobacter sakazakii to CDC.