Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Powder Formulas Manufactured at One Plant

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

Summary

• Company Announcement Date: February 17, 2022
• FDA Publish Date: February 17, 2022
• Product Type: Food & Beverages ; Foodborne Illness
• Reason for Announcement: Consumer complaints regarding Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport.
• Company Name: Abbott
• Brand Name: Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare
• Product Description: Powder Infant Formula

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Company Announcement

The company has issued a correction to the previous announcement..

Certain specialty and metabolic formulas have been tested and released by Abbott Nutrition on a case-by-case basis. Parents and caregivers of infants receiving this specialty and metabolic formula should not reference the recall product description below, but instead should enter the product lot code found at the bottom of their package by using the “Check Lot Number” feature at the bottom of the company’s webpage (similacrecall.com) or by calling Abbott Nutrition at 1-800-881-0876.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company's manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.

Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.

Additionally, as part of Abbott's quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. This investigation is ongoing.

Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport.

While Abbott's testing of finished 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. No Abbott liquid formulas, powder formulas, or nutrition products from other facilities are impacted by the recall.

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. It's important to follow the instructions for proper preparation, handling and storage of powder formulas.

"We know parents depend on us to provide them with the highest quality nutrition formulas," said Joe Manning, executive vice president, nutritional products, 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."

What Parents and Caregivers Should Do

The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.

To find out if the product you have 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. No action is needed for previously consumed product. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact your healthcare professional.

Some product was distributed to countries outside the U.S. A list of these products can be found at similacrecall.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 113,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

SOURCE Abbott

For frequently asked questions, please click here.

For further information: Abbott Media: Vicky Assardo, (224) 668-1505; Jonathon Hamilton, (224) 667-8646; Ellen Wichman, (224) 667-8522; Spanish-speaking media in U.S.: John Koval, (224) 668-5355; Spanish-speaking media outside the U.S.: Jorge Solorzano, +52 55-3333-7604; Abbott Financial: Laura Dauer, (224) 667-2299

FDA Press Announcement

FDA Advisory

Link to Expanded Press Release

 

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Company Contact Information

• Consumers: Abbott; +1-800-986-8540

• Media: Vicky Assardo ; (224) 668-1505

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