Recalled powdered infant formulas may be linked to illness, WA health department says
Parents and caregivers are advised to stop feeding their infants certain recalled powdered infant formulas that may be linked to Cronobacter illnesses and two infant deaths.
Cronobacter is a naturally occurring germ that can live in dry foods such as powdered infant formula, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections in anyone; however, this can be more serious for infants.
The voluntary recall affects certain powdered infant formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition at a facility in Sturgis, Michigan, according to a state Department of Health news release.
No known cases of the illness have been reported in Washington state as of Wednesday. Still, the state Department of Health recommends parents and caregivers not feed babies recalled Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered formulas.
At least 18,000 Washington families enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children program, a special supplemental nutrition program, may be affected by the recall, per the release. The recalled products may also be used by a similar number of families not in the WIC program.
Specifically, the release says the recalled formulas include Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) or 27032K800 (case). It also includes Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered formula products that meet each of the following three conditions:
- First two digits of the code are 22 through 37, and
- The container contains “K8,” “SH,” or “Z2,” and
- The use-by date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
Parents and caregivers can find lot codes on the bottom of formula packages. If a person wishes to confirm their product is included in the recall, they can enter the lot code on Abbott Nutrition’s website or call 1-800-986-8540.
Those who own a recalled product can return it for a refund at the store where they bought it or to Abbott Nutrition directly. If the product does not contain the recalled lot codes, the release says it should still be safe for use.
Washington WIC plans to provide alternative formula for families, according to the release. However, they cannot guarantee these alternatives will be available at every store.
Program participants can contact WIC Clinics and for updates for help.
A Cronobacter infection in infants usually starts with a fever and includes poor feeding, excessive crying or very low energy, according to the state DOH. Some infants may even have seizures.
Those with infants who have consumed the recalled formula or who show symptoms should contact their primary care provider, per the release.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is actively investigating the recall.
This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM.
