Baby formula recall: Recently, there is an expanded recall of Similac PM60/40 (specialized low mineral baby formula) by the US FDA after the recall of Similac, Alimentum & EleCare. The recall was due to some Similac cans produced at Michigan facility have caused bacterial infection leading to an infant’s death.
In Feb this year, Abbott has announced a voluntary recall of potentially affected products including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered baby formula manufactured in the Sturgis, Michigan facility. The above recall is due to the recent link of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections that are associated with 4 infant illnesses in the U.S. The expanded recall of Similac PM60/40 is announced after more than one week of recall of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare.
Baby Formula Recall:
FDA is investigating baby formula products from Abbott which had consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport bacteria infections. All 4 cases are reported to have consumed powdered formula milk that was manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan facility. Out of the 4 cases, 3 were hospitalized, and one died. Parents are urged to stop using the affected products – Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare with the numbers and expiration date as shown 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.
In addition to these products, cans of Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 and cases coded 27032K800 are the only ones being recalled, according to the FDA.
FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and the outcome has shown several positive Cronobacter sakazakii results from environmental samples taken by the FDA. A review of the internal record also shows the presence of Cronobacter in the environment and the evidence of destruction of products due to Cronobacter.
According to FDA, Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Babies who consume baby formula which is contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria will experience symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, or lethargy whereas Salmonella Newport can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Recalled products were distributed to the following countries in addition to the United States: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam ANI South.
You may check your product lot number on this website: https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html.
Baby Formula Recall in Malaysia
So far, Ministry of Health Malaysia has issued an alert over 2 baby formula products, manufactured from the Michigan facility in the U.S that may be contaminated by bacteria and may cause serious illnesses if consumed. These 2 affected baby formula powdered milk are:
- Similar Human Milk Fortifier (0.9 g x 50 sachets)
- Similac Alimentum (400g)
The affected products come with the code numbers containing K8, SH or Z2, first two digits start with codes running from 22 -37 and an expiration date of 1 April 2022 or later. All the sellers including online sellers are asked to stop selling the affected products.
Parents or caregivers who have used these products are advised to seek help from medical care immediately.
If you need to ask for assistance and clarification about the baby formula recall. I have included a link to the Ministry of Health Malaysia at the end of the article.
@ https://moh.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do
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