Lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare Recalled
Abbott has recalled several powder baby formula products – Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare – after four infants were hospitalized for bacterial infections. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers not to use the powdered baby formulas involved in the Abbott recall. The FDA is investigating the four consumer complaints of infants hospitalized with Cronobacter Sakazakii or Salmonella Newport bacteria.
The recall was announced on February 17, 2022. All the recalled baby formula products were manufactured at Abbott’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. The products were distributed across the United States, and possibly exported to other countries.
Why Are the Abbott Baby Formulas Being Recalled?
The FDA conducted environmental studies at the Sturgis facility, and several areas tested positive for Cronobacter, but not Salmonella. Abbott records show that the company has destroyed products in the past due to Cronobacter contamination.
The four infants, located in Ohio, Minnesota and Texas, were all hospitalized, and one of the cases was fatal. Three of the infants were diagnosed with Cronobacter, and one of the infants with Salmonella. The infant who died may have had Cronobacter, according to the FDA.
What Symptoms Do Cronobacter and Salmonella Cause?
According to the FDA, Cronobacter Sakazakii can sepsis or meningitis, potentially severe and life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms of sepsis or meningitis include fever, poor feeding, jaundice, excessive crying, grunting breaths, low energy, abnormal movements and other serious symptoms. Cronobacter infections are rare, but are especially dangerous for newborn babies.
A baby infected with Salmonella might develop gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis, the FDA said. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Severe cases of salmonellosis can cause more serious symptoms, including high fever, body aches, headaches, lethargy, rash, and blood in the urine or stool.
If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. You should throw away any recalled formula.
How To Find Whether Your Baby’s Formula Has Been Recalled
To find out whether your baby’s formula is included in the recall, you can go to this website: https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/product-lookup.html. Check the code next to the expiration date. The recalled products’ Lot Code begins with the first two digits from 22 through 37 and contains K8, SH or Z2 within the Lot Code. All the recalled products expire on April 1, 2022 or after.
To find out more about the recall of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare, or how to get a refund or replacement, go to Abbott’s Similac page www.similacrecall.com or call their customer service number at 1-800-986-8540.
Trust Our Massachusetts Similac Lawyers to Help
If your baby was hospitalized after taking recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare you may have a legal claim for damages. Contact the Boston law firm of Thornton Law Firm LLP online or at 1-888-341-1405 for a free consultation with a recognized leader in Massachusetts drug and medical device litigation. You have nothing to risk. We offer a fair and accurate assessment of your case.
