February 23, 2022

This is an official communication between ODE CNP and Sponsors of CACFP

Abbott Infant Formula Recall

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of specific batches of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare due to consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

• 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.

Additional Information:

• Products made at the Sturgis, Michigan facility can be found across the U.S. and were likely exported to other countries.
• Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted. The FDA advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Consumers should continue to use all products not covered by the advisory. 
• To date, this investigation has been associated with four illnesses (three for Cronobacter and one for Salmonella) spanning the following states: MN, OH and TX. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.
• 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.
• Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products, and are concerned about the health of their child, should contact their child’s health care provider. 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.
• Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases, may become fatal. 
• Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.  
• If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices. 

For more information: Refer to the FDA Press Announcement on February 17, 2022.

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