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FDA Issues Warning: Certain Powdered Baby Formulas May Contain Bacteria

Very recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections, all of which have stemmed from the consumption of powdered infant formula produced at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. 

As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to throw out impacted products and avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility. The FDA is also working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners in an ongoing investigation. 

The FDA’s Specific Warning for Current Baby Formula Use

Specifically, The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

• The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and 
• The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and 
• The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Specifically, the FDA is investigating four infant illness complaints from three states. All four complainants were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.

Most recently, the FDA warning stated: “Abbott announced that the company initiated a voluntary recall of potentially affected products, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan facility. However, if any of the formulas mentioned has harmed your child, our firm is prepared to handle your case whether we need to file a Similac lawsuit, an EleCare lawsuit or a lawsuit based on the child being diagnosed with Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections.

What are Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport?

According to the CDC, Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment. For individuals of any age, it can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections. For newborns, Cronobacter sakazakii can be much more dangerous. The germ can cause sepsis or meningitis. Infants who are more susceptible to serious illness include infants born prematurely, those under 2 months of age, and infants with compromised immune systems due to other illness or medical treatment. The CDC recommends the following steps to protect your infant from Cronobacter:

1. Breastfeed or use liquid formula
2. If pumping, clean, sanitize, and store feeding items and breast pump parts separately
3. Prepare and store powdered formula safely: keep lids closed and lids and scoops clean;     use formula within 1 hour from the start of feeding and within 2 hours of preparing it; throw away leftover prepared formula
4. Always wash your hands before preparing bottles and touching baby’s mouth and pacifiers

More commonly known, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever. More severe infections may involve aches, headaches, a rash, or blood or urine in the stool.

Other Helpful Information from the FDA

• The FDA advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Therefore, consumers can continue to use all products not covered by the advisory.
• Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products and are concerned about their child’s health should contact their healthcare provider. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify the doctor and seek medical care for your child immediately.
• Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.  
• If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

Talk to a Similac Lawsuit Attorney at Searcy Denney if Your Baby is Displaying Symptoms

Searcy Denney fights for individuals who have been harmed due to defective medical products and formulas. We have answers to your most important questions and can help you recover any financial compensation to which you’re entitled. 

We have the experience you need to handle these types of cases. Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, with no risk to you.