Urgent baby formula warning after reports of ‘serious infections’ across US – these are the products you should avoid
PARENTS are being urged to avoid certain types of baby formula products amid reports that four infants were sick with “serious infections”.
Food and Drug Administration bosses issued a recall Thursday for some Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas that were produced at an Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
Three babies were ill with Cronobacter sakazakii and one contracted Salmonella Newport.
The cases were reported in Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas, the confirmed.
All four cases were hospitalized and it's feared that Cronobacter may have contributed to one death.
Cronobacter can cause sepsis, meningitis, temperature changes, and bowel damage, while symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Parents should avoid the products if the first two digits on the code are 22-37, the code on the container is K8 SH or Z2, or the expiration date is April 2022 or later.
Babies that are experiencing symptoms after taking the affected products should seek medical attention.
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Abbott issued a voluntary recall and products have been tested, with none detecting positive for the bacteria.
Frank Yiannas, the FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said: “As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections.
“We want to reassure the public that we’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products, which we recognize include infant formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible.”
Joe Manning, an Abbott executive vice president, said: “We deeply regret the situation this situation will cause parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.”
A spokesperson for the company told that bosses will do “whatever it takes” to maintain trust among members of the public.
Health officials advise against making formula products at home amid warnings of “serious health concerns” for babies.
Earlier this year, two babies were rushed to hospital as they suffered “severe deficiencies” after taking homemade formula, reported.
The tots were fed vegan formula but it was the homemade aspect that made it unsafe, according to Nicole Fragale – manager of clinical nutrition at Nemours Children’s Health System.
The FDA warns parents not to dilute infant formula.
Americans can find extra information at the Similarrecall.com website where they can search for the product’s code to see if it has been affected.
The FDA says that investigations remain ongoing.
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