Lauren Dempsey, MS in Biomedicine and Law, RN, FISM News
Abbott Nutrition issued a voluntary recall last week for three different types of powdered infant formula due to contamination issues. The affected formulas were Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. The FDA is advising consumers to not use these brands after reports of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella infections in infants which resulted in the hospitalization of four infants and may have been linked to one infant death.
These bacteria can cause foodborne illness in infants and can be severe, causing sepsis or meningitis. Symptoms that are typically seen are poor feeding, irritability, jaundice, breathing difficulty, and abnormal movements. Healthcare providers are encouraged to report any confirmed cases to the CDC.
The FDA has conducted onsite inspections at the facility in Sturgis, MI, where several samples were taken and tested positive for Cronobacter. The firm’s internal records also indicated there was contamination and subsequent destruction of the product. The Sturgis facility provides infant formula across the United States and is also exported to other countries. The FDA is continuing to investigate. The recall does not include liquid or metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. The FDA and CDC are working together and recommend that parents should call their child’s healthcare provider for safe feeding practices if their formula is not available.
The FDA’s website has information on the recall posted for consumers. The recalled products can be identified by the seven-to-nine-digit code and expiration date on the formula package. Parents can also use the company’s website to check their product lot code. Products in the recall have all three of the following: “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.”
Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said in a press release that the agency is working to investigate and “resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible” especially because “this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants. The FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections.”
This recall is exacerbating the current shortage of infant formula. Stores nationwide have had a difficult time keeping formula on the shelves. Manufacturers are trying to keep up with the increase in demand, but it appears that labor shortages and supply chain issues are making it difficult to get the product to consumers. Another issue impacting the current shortage is that infant formula is one of the most commonly stolen products. A 2020 survey indicated that infant formula theft has increased 60% since 2015 and accounts for about 13% of items targeted by organized retail crime according to the National Retail Federation.
However, the Infant Nutrition Council of America, a group that represents the top formula makers, issued a statement saying that “manufacturers are actively working with suppliers, distributors, retailers and state agencies to ensure availability and access to infant formula products, to quickly address the needs of babies everywhere.”