What You Need to Know About the Infant Formula Recall

If you’re a parent and using infant formula from Similac, Alimentum or EleCare, here are the updated facts on the ongoing product recall.

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigates, Abbott Nutrition has recalled certain powdered formulas made at its Sturgis, Mich., facility. The products have been linked to bacterial infections in five babies. All had to be hospitalized and two died, possibly due to their infections. The illnesses occurred in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas between Sept. 16, 2021, and Jan. 4, 2022.

The recalled formula products were sold across the United States and in some other countries, according to the FDA. To identify them, look at the lot code, a multidigit number on the bottom of the container.

Do not use products if:

The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37.
The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2.
The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
In addition to these products, Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code of 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case).

You can also go to the company’s website and enter the lot code of products you have to see if they are included in the recall.

The five reported cases of bacterial infections include four involving Cronobacter sakazakii, and of Salmonella Newport.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborns, the FDA said.

Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.