A major baby formula recall has been expanded after health officials learned that a second infant died after being exposed to the potentially contaminated product.
Initially, Abbott Nutrition recalled three types of infant formula sold nationwide after four babies became ill, with one dying after being hospitalized. The recall impacted select lots of Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum formulas. After the second baby’s death, Abbott Nutrition included two additional lots of Similac powdered infant formula to the recall.
All recalled products were produced at the company’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. According to the official reports, two of the victims were infected with Cronobacter sakazakii.
FDA Investigates Infant Illnesses, Deaths Associated With Recalled Product
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the Cronobacter sakazakii infections as well as one report of Salmonella Newport allegedly associated with the infant formula.
While Abbott Nutrition is cooperating with the investigation, the firm stated that “no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.” Other recently tested formula samples that hadn’t been distributed, the firm added, were also negative for Cronobacter.
Impacted products so far include the Similac PM 60/40 lot # 27032K80 (can) and lot # 27032K800 (case) as well as the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas with codes on the bottom of the containers whose first two digits are 22 through 37.
Recalled items also have an expiration date of 4/1/2022 or later.
Infants Exposed To Cronobacter Sakazakii Can Suffer Deadly Illnesses
The CDC said that while Cronobacter illnesses are rare, they are often lethal for infants or individuals with a compromised immune system.
Patients exposed to the germ can develop severe meningitis and sepsis. Infants may also experience seizures.
If you have children who consume formula and you believe you were impacted by this recall, you can obtain more information by visiting the Similacrecall.com website. You can also call the firm at 1-800-986-8540.
For more information on this recall, follow this link.
