Abbott recalls Similac, Alimentum, EleCare baby formulas due to reports of infants’ illnesses

Abbott, medical devices and health care company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, has issued a recall for three of its leading baby formulas, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. The recall was due to the discovery of cases where infants fell ill after consuming the milk brands.

According to Fox Business, the cases involve four infants in three states - Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that the powdered milk for infants was manufactured in Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan facility.

The FDA is investigating the four cases that caused Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections in the said regions. The babies were said to have been hospitalized, and there was one case of death where the FDA suspects that the Cronobacter may have contributed to the unfortunate incident.

In its recall announcement, the agency, along with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have warned and advised the public to refrain from buying certain Abbott powdered baby formulas that were made at the Sturgis, Michigan plant. It also mentioned that the investigation is still ongoing.

Moreover, the FDA is informing everyone to discard Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare baby milk formulas if the first two digits of the code are 22 to 37 and if the code on the container shows K8, SH, or Z2. The expiration date of the affected milk is April 1, 2022, or later.

At any rate, Abbott voluntarily recalled the affected products after receiving four complaints from the consumers. Then again, the company stressed that the recall is an isolated case and only affects powder formulas - Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare - that were made at its Sturgis, Michigan plant. The company further said that the liquid formulas or other Abbott nutrition powders are not included in the recall.

"We know parents depend on us to provide them with the highest quality nutrition formulas," Abbott's executive vice president, nutritional products, Joe Manning, said in a press release. "We are taking this action so parents know they can trust us to meet our high standards, as well as theirs. We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers, and health care professionals."

Finally, the FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, Frank Yiannas, said they are working to solve the safety concerns as soon as possible as they are aware of the severity of the issue.