Abbott’s Infant Formula Recall Now Involves 4 Brands

Abbott Nutrition’s baby formula recall now covers four brands. From the original lineup of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare, the recall now also includes Similac PM 60/40.

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Baby Dies Of Cronobacter, Possibly From Contaminated Infant Formula

Last Monday, the Food and Drug Administration added Similac 60/40 from the list of recalled Abbott Nutrition products.

Earlier, The FDA initiated a recall for Abbott’s Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare infant formulas. All the products came from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan plant. 

Health officials reported an additional case where an infant died of Cronobacter sakazakii. The possible source of the infection was infant formula.

The product, Similac PM 60/40, also came from the Sturgis plant. According to the FDA, the most recent patient death consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K800. This was prior to the infant’s diagnosis of Cronobacter sakazakii infection. 

Similac 60/40 Added To List of Recalled Infant Formula Manufactured By Abbott Nutrition

Similac PM is a specialty infant formula for babies who require lower mineral intake. Previously, Similac PM was not part of the bigger recall which included certain lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare.

The Sturgis, Michigan plan produced all these recalled infant formulas. Abbott distributed the identified contaminated lots to the US and Israel. 

In particular, Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening sepsis infections or meningitis. Meanwhile, Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever, according to the FDA.

Abbott posted an update on its recall website. It is said that the latest case remains under investigation. At this time, officials have yet to determine the cause of the infant’s Cronobacter sakazakii infection.

The company also insisted that no distributed product tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. This includes recently tested samples of Similac PM.

The notice ended with Abbott saying that “We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family.”

Four More Reports of Cronobacter Sakazakii Infections

Meanwhile, the FDA said its investigation now includes four cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants. It also includes one complaint of a Salmonella Newport infection.

All infants were sent for hospitalization. Cronobacter may have caused the death in two of these cases. 

For now, Abbott is voluntarily recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case). Click here for a list of recalled products with corresponding lots and product numbers.

Parents can also call 1-800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided. Abbott also clarified that no other products from other facilities are under the recall. 

Cronobacter Sakazakii

According to the CDC, Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment. It can survive in very dry places such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. 

Illnesses from Cronobacter are rare. The CDC said that they usually receive two to four cases of infections per year. However, the illness is often lethal for infants and serious for those with immunocompromised systems. In infants, Cronobacter usually causes sepsis or severe meningitis. 

Watch the KENS 5 news video reporting that Baby formula recall expands after the second baby dies:

What do you think of infant formulas as breastmilk substitutes?

• Nature intended breast milk for babies. Nothing else.
• Infant formulas are necessary for mothers who cannot produce milk. However, people should use breast milk substitutes sparingly and not as a first option.
• Nothing wrong with infant formula. However, everything is wrong with a manufacturing plant with quality control issues.
• Companies like Abbott should exert more effort and control over their products. Losing an infant over something like this can be devastating to parents.

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Do you approve of breastmilk substitutes for infants? Also, do you know of anyone affected by a product that eventually went into recall?

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