baby formula recall - what you need to know

You may have seen in the news recently that Abbott Laboratories is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of three brand name powder formulas, including Similac and EleCare which were manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company’s manufacturing facilities.  The recall does not include any ready-made liquid formulas.

The recalled products include:

• Similac powdered human milk fortifier
• Similac Advance and Similac Pro-Advance
• Similac Sensitive and Similac Pro-Sensitive
• Similac Total Comfort
• Similac for Spit Up
• Similac PM 60/40
• Similac Alimentum
• Elecare Infant
• Elecare Junior (a pediatric product)

symptoms

Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after receiving four consumer complaints after four children became sick with Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport after consuming one of these formulas.

Cronobacter sakazakii is commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home. It can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms.

Salmonella Newport – Persons infected usually develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 6 hrs. to 6 days after infection.  The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

What to look for as part of the recall:

The recalled products include Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powered infant formulas. Look for the multidigit number on the bottom of the container to know if your formula is included:

• The first two digits of the code are 22-37.

• The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2.

• The expiration is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

To check if their product is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided.

frequently asked questions

I’ve been giving my child Similac for months, should I be worried that my child will become ill?

 If your child becomes ill with fever, crying and irritability, poor feeding, stomach pain or vomiting, has blood in their bowel movements, swollen abdomen, seizures, jaundice (yellow eyes or skin) or grunting when breathing, please seek immediate medical care.

What are the replacement formulas? The liquid versions of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas are not part of the voluntary recall. You may want to contact your provider for guidance on a replacement formula.

Families can visit similacrecall.com for additional information.