(33), Formula makers quickly responded, with Nestle importing Alfamino from Switzerland and also Gerber Good Start Extensive HA from the Netherlands. (29), This huge increase includes a $76 million increase in food safety funding to improve technology to quickly trace the source of foodborne illnesses and other efforts to reduce toxins in food. Jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes). It can even lead to an imbalance in your babys body that might cause their heart to stop. because of recent Congressional Reports showing that many popular manufacturers are selling products tainted with high levels of toxic heavy metals. Similac infant formula will continue to be produced in alternative product sizes and formats for delivery to retail locations, in addition to increased production throughout our global manufacturing network. What they're saying: "These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage," the company said in a statement. (18), Similac Pro-Total Comfort (Powder) infant formula, Similac Total Comfort Easy-to-Digest Gentle Protein & Prebiotics, Abbott Reopens Formula Plant, Starts EleCare Production, Some Global Companies To Send Formulas As US Shortage Hits 70%, rates continue to rise, with the number reaching as high as 70% in the week ending on May 22, according to a report from Datasembly. The Cronobacter sakazakii that was found in environmental testing during the investigation was in non-product contact areas of our Sturgis facility and has not been linked to the two available patient samples or any other known infant illness. * Offers may vary. Two House bills were passed to address the shortage. Lax practices in terms of clean in place procedures, Failed to take corrective measures after knowing their testing procedures were deficient, Had an atmosphere of retaliation against employees who raised concerns about their company practices. The following are some of the baby formulas recalled in 2021: These are imported products from Europe distributed by the online retail store LittleBundle website starting May 20, 2021. (53), Formulas that dont meet this requirement need a label indicating that additional iron might be necessary, but the company failed to comply. (30), She further explained that its important to solve the problem as soon as possible. Contact the store or manufacturer for the refund or replacement process. Why it matters: About 3 in 4 babies are fed formula by six months old as a complete or partial substitute for human milk, Axios' Nathan Bomey reports. (8), After a three-week shutdown following massive floods in the area, the Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan, has finally reopened again on July 1, 2022. However, the baby formula shortage from supply chain issues and the Similac recalls reduced the available products. Rakeen Mabud, the groups chief economist, pointed out that instead of improving its plant and making productive investments, Abbott chose to prioritize its shareholders. Additionally, as part of Abbott's quality processes, we conduct routine testing forCronobacter sakazakiiand other pathogensin our manufacturing facilities. 02.17.2022 - Abbott initiated a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company's manufacturing facilities. Senate To Investigate Abbotts Safety Improvements & Buyback Program, The Senate Finance Committee recently announced through Senator Ron Wyden that theyre going to investigate Abbotts investments in their plants safety improvements amid record revenues. Similac is among the most popular formula brands, but is it a healthy option for your baby? Find the answers below. According to the recall advisory, products from Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility have been distributed across the US and likely to have been exported to other countries. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Milk-based infant formula with iron A 20 Cal/fl oz, nutritionally complete, non-GMO, milk-based, iron fortified infant formula designed for use for sensitive tummies as a milk-based alternative to standard milk-based formulas for sensitive tummies. FDA Details Safety Issues At Abbott Plant Linked To Formula Recalls, Failure to maintain the sanitary conditions of surfaces used to prepare and handle formula, bacteria contamination between fall 2019 and February 2022. While Abbott's testing of distributed product detected no pathogens, we are taking action by recalling the powder formula manufactured in this facility with an expiration of April 1, 2022, or later. Once they get the FDAs go-signal, Abbott will return to EleCare production before restarting Similac and other formula lines. Some of the hospitalized kids suffered malnutrition after taking homemade formula or other inappropriate substitutions. Abbott Nutrition is recalling certain lots of ready-to-feed liquid baby products, including several under its Similac brand, for potential spoilage, the company said Friday. A thorough review of all available data indicates that the infant formula produced at our Sturgis facility is not likely the source of infection in the reported cases and that there was not an outbreak caused by products from the facility., Findings released by federal safety inspectors on March 22, 2022, show that Abbotts Sturgis, Michigan manufacturing plant involved in the recent Similac recall had several safety issues. (37), During the May 2022 hearing, FDA Commissioner Califf and lawmakers agreed that consolidation (strong market players taking over smaller competitions) made the US formula market more vulnerable to disruptions. Affected customers were advised to search for the lot number of their item at similac.com/recall. (31), The company representative added that theyre checking if they could tap into the Nestle global nutrition network for other formulas they could import after the FDA announced that companies are given temporary flexibility for importing baby formulas to address the shortage. Similac recalls several powdered formulas for possible contamination that can cause Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infection. Some might feel more secure choosing a well-known brand name. If the product is part of the recall, immediately stop giving it to your child, especially recalled products with Salmonella and other pathogens. (32), Another one was hospitalized due to mineral imbalances after their caregiver mixed their own formula. (26), However, he clarified that they wouldnt tolerate having bacteria in their plant, something that the FDA found during their investigation. Then, theyre marking these up for online retail at exorbitant prices. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. They havent confirmed how many formula units have been recalled. During a May 2022 bipartisan hearing, Rep. Rosa DeLauro and other lawmakers repeatedly asked the FDA head why the agency took several months to investigate a whistleblower complaint on safety violations at Abbotts plant. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Reckitt facilities can also operate at their maximum capacity following these shipments. These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. Congressional leaders and various groups also want to hold the FDA accountable for whatever lapses or responsibilities it might have overlooked that led to the Abbott plant closure and baby formula shortage. (62), Possible contamination with black polyvinyl chloride plastic particles (61), Similac Advance with Iron Formula Powder (12.9-ounce cans). If your infant is experiencing symptomsrelated toCronobacterorSalmonellainfection,such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care. "We take our responsibility to deliver high-quality products very seriously," said Joe Manning, executive vice president, nutritional products, Abbott. The shipment was taken to the Nestle distribution center about a mile away for standard quality control checks. According to DeLauro, the whistleblower (name withheld for security reasons) wrote a 34-page report with a long list of allegations about security lapses and unsafe practices at the plant. Previous investigations by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) reportedly discovered several violations, including Abbotts lax safety protocols and bacterial contamination at its manufacturing facility. (41), A spokesperson for the hospital refused to disclose the exact number of hospitalized kids but said that all had specific dietary needs. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. "We internally identified the issue, are addressing it, and will work with our customers to minimize inconvenience and get them the products they need.". Bing Guan/Reuters If you have questions, please contact Abbott's Consumer Relations hotlines below in the country where you received product: Join Similac Rewards for up to $400*in benefits and support throughout your journey. Similac 360 Total Care Affected bottle and carton or case lot numbers in the US: (1) 35609N200; 38493XK00 39480N200; 420395E00 (also distributed in Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, Barbados, St Thomas, St Croix, and Haiti) 40716N200; 42567XK00 40755N200; 43579XK00 Affected lots with the same bottle and case numbers: (1) 39633N200 40624N200 (21), According to the FDAs food director, Susan Mayne, they were unable to fully determine if theres a match because they only had sequences from two babies. Abbott Recalls Ready-to-Feed Liquid Products, 39480N200; 420395E00 (also distributed in Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, Barbados, St Thomas, St Croix, and Haiti), 40561N200 (also sold in Puerto Rico, Curacao, Jamaica, Bermuda, and Trinidad & Tobago), 40749N200 sold in the Dominican Republic, 39398N200 (bottle lot number only) sold in Canada, Similac Recall February 2022 (Second Recall), This recall was done after the death of another infant who tested positive for. This is subject to the FDAs approval. (57)(58), No liquid formula products were included in this recall. Aside from checking the nutritional values and ingredients, its also a good idea to monitor for infant formula product recalls. (53), Also, some of the formulas have low iron levels that didnt meet the minimum of 1 mg iron per 100 calories. Surprisingly, however, the FDA didnt issue a safety notice nor did they stop Abbott from producing formulas until the issues have been resolved. You can find more information about these recalls below. (7), It might have played a big role in the shortage and can be held liable, depending on the outcome of the Justice Departments investigation. (26), Since Abbott has over 40% share of the US infant formula market, their formula recall and subsequent plant shutdown badly affected the formula supply. (19). iPhone users should open in Safari. Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints forCronobacter sakazakiitested negative forCronobacter. (49). To identify if your product is included, please visit similacrecall.com to view a list of impacted lot numbers or use the lot number checker on the webpage. Abbott said it would restart EleCare production, upon reopening, followed by specialty and metabolic formulas. Heres Everything You Need To Know, Nutricia Formula Wasnt Recalled in 2022, However It Did Test Positive For Cronobacter. From December 1, 2021, to March 3, 2022, the FDA reportedly received a total of nine reports of formula-related baby deaths, with two among the four confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infections that led to the February 2022 Similac recall. (40), The two children (a toddler and a preschooler) were using EleCare, a specialty formula they needed because they both have short bowel syndrome and couldnt absorb full-size proteins. 02.17.2022 - Abbott initiated a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company's manufacturing facilities. The company announced that it will prioritize EleCare production as well as other specialty and metabolic formulas for babies with severe food allergies and digestive problems. Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children, including the brands. (40), They relied on the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) from EleCare for nourishment because these dont have to be digested. (59), When we identified this, we did extensive testing of every product on the (factory) line, and more than 99.8 percent of the product was negative for beetle contamination, said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. (1), ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Recall, The Similac Recall & The Formula Shortage (2022), in the US, worried parents are having difficulty finding supplies for their babies. Liquid baby formula and all other products produced by Abbott Nutrition are not affected. They havent confirmed how many formula units have been recalled. (11), According to the FDA, the infant death reportedly happened in January. Before the massive Similac recall, Abbott Nutrition topped the market spot with 40% of the market share, closely followed by the long-time number 2 player in the US, Enfamil. "We take our responsibility to deliver high-quality products very seriously," said Joe Manning, executive vice president, nutritional products, Abbott. (28), Two years before the recall, Abbotts net profits increased from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion, according to Securities and Exchange Commission records. Childrens Wisconsin warns that homemade formula can cause liver and/or kidney damage. Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula, with 5 HMO Prebiotics, Our Closest Formula to Breast Milk, Non-GMO, . (25), Abbott Laboratories CEO Robert Ford apologized for their role in the formula shortage, referring to the massive recall of Similac, Elecare, and Alimentum products in February 2022. Affected lots (same bottle and case numbers): Bottle lot numbers only (no case lot numbers provided): Abbott Nutrition clarifies that the recall only affects these products and specific lot or case/carton numbers. powder . We found no evidence ofSalmonellaNewport. Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/ 59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid products for infants and children, including the brands Similac Pro-Total ComfortTM, Similac 360 Total Care , Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Special Care 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac NeoSure , Abbott added another Similac PM 60/40 to this recall list on February 28 for the same reason. However, Califf reportedly sidestepped these questions by saying that he cant share details of the agencys ongoing investigation. A company spokesperson explained that their strong balance sheet allowed them to invest in improving their facilities even with the stock buybacks. (34), According to a Nestle representative, these products serve a critical medical purpose because theyre for babies with cows milk protein allergies. (36), Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik accused Bidens failed leadership, saying that its responsible for Americas baby formula crisis. (47). (38), To meet the demands, Enfamil production has been increased to 30%, the company added. Then, ready-to-feed liquid products (product names listed below) were recalled in October over a manufacturing that might cause spoilage. Contact 1800-10-995-1555 (Province), (02) 995-1555 (Manila), or, Several powdered baby formula products were recalled due to the remote possibility of contamination with larvae, full-grown adults, or insect parts of the small common beetle. (28), Also, she believes that restrictions should be imposed on companies that receive federal funding or in Abbotts case, companies whose largest customers are federal programs such as the WIC. This database includes recalls from Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Transport Canada. Driving the news: The announcement follows February's massive infant formula recall that led to a nationwide baby formula shortage. It was especially more difficult for children who need specialty formulas that were only manufactured by Abbott. Abbott Nutrition acknowledges their role in the infant formula shortage. The recall was issued following consumer reports of four babies hospitalized, and one possible death due to, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas, The code at the bottom of the package or container contains K8, SH, or Z2, The first two digits of the code are numbers from 22 to 37, The expiration date code is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later. It may also cause bowel damage and can spread through the blood to other parts of the body. A review of the firms internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firms destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter. (2), Cronobacter can cause severe, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spine), according to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention). So, its important to follow the instructions found on the packaging for proper preparation, handling, and storage of all powder formulas to avoid contamination. (47), However, the released products dont include the recently recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formulas. Dr. Mark Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, revealed that he admitted two patients because their specialty formula is out of stock. (29), Wyden has reportedly requested Abbott for more information regarding their stock buyback program. Similac, by Abbott Laboratories, is one of the leading infant formula brands in the US. This manufacturing defect may cause a decrease in the formulas vitamin C content over time. (16), 44,000 pounds (equivalent to approximately 548,000 eight-ounce bottles) of specialty infant formulas Nestl Health Science Alfamino and Alfamino Junior arrived at the Louisville International Airport from Switzerland. Those infected with salmonella might experience fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. If you still wish to opt-out, please click the button below to confirm. (26), He explained that none of the data matched between the specimen from the four complaints and of the retained product samples. 235, 205, Dominican Republic: +1-849-200-1564, Haiti: 868-687-0223, Jamaica: 876-927-7098, Panama: 800-0410, St. Croix: 1(340) 690-7222, St. Thomas: 1(340) 690-7222, Trinidad & Tobago: 868-687-0223, Savings on Similac.com Schedule & Save purchases, Choose a preferred retailer, like Amazon or Target. 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