On February 28, the FDA announced a second recall of powdered baby formula after the death of a second infant who had consumed the product. The formula was made by Abbott Nutrition and produced at the company’s Michigan factory.
On February 17, Abbott Nutrition initially issued a voluntary recall of powdered formulas made in its factory in Sturgis, Michigan. The company recalled these products after three consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii and one related to Salmonella Newport.
According to the FDA, Cronobacter is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. The rare infection occurs mostly in infants and can be incredibly dangerous for them.
“We know parents depend on us to provide them with the highest quality nutrition formulas,” said Joe Manning, executive vice president of nutritional products at Abbott. “We’re taking this action so parents know they can trust us to meet our high standards as well as theirs. We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers, and health care professionals.”
Now a fourth case of Cronobacter sakazakii infection has been reported, making a total of five infant bacterial infection cases that are allegedly related to the product. All five of the infected infants were hospitalized, and two have died.
According to the FDA, the infant in the most recent case reportedly consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code of 27032K800 before contracting the infection.
Similac PM is a specialty formula made for infants who would benefit from a lowered mineral intake. This particular product was not included in the previous recall that Abbott Nutrition issued for certain lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare formulas.
On February 28, the FDA, in conjunction with the CDC, announced the start of an investigation into the Cronobacter sakazakii infection that may be connected to the powdered formula. Similac PM 60/40 with lot codes 27032K80 (can) and 27032K800 (case) are the only type and lots of Similac affected by the second recall.
The FDA is currently advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas that have been affected by the recalls.
