Similac Formula Recall Expands After Another Baby Dies of Cronobacter Infection

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Abbott Baby Formula Recall Overview:

• Who: The FDA has issued a recall of another Abbott Nutrition baby formula, Similac PM 60/40, after other Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas were recalled Feb. 17. 
• Why: The products may be contaminated with Cronobacter. The FDA is investigating the potential link between the formulas and two baby deaths and three hospitalizations.
• Where: The formula was distributed globally

A second infant death has prompted an expansion of the Abbott baby formula product recall, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says.

On Feb. 28, the FDA announced it was adding Similac PM 60/40 formula to the recall. The recall, first issued Feb. 17, already includes certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas. 

The FDA said it was expanding the recall after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that another baby who consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 product had contracted a Cronobacter sakazakii infection and died. 

“Cronobacter infection may have been a contributing cause of death for this patient,” the FDA said.  

In total, the FDA was investigating four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants and one complaint of a Salmonella Newport infection in an infant, all potentially linked to Abott formulas made in its Sturgis, MI facility. 

“All five illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two patients,” the FDA said.

The FDA said it has conducted an onsite inspection at the Sturgis facility, where it found several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples.

Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare Formulas All Included in Mass Recall of Abbott Products

The recall now includes certain the Similac PM 60/40 formula, as well as Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas that 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. For more information on how to find the number, click here. 

Meanwhile, senators are demanding Abbott Nutrition hand over documents related to the recalls after it was revealed the company may have known about contamination since September last year.

On Feb. 25, Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) sent a letter to Abbott CEO and chair Robert Ford demanding the company explain the delay in its recall, POLITICO reports.

The recall includes specialized formulas for those with allergies and food intolerances. 

The shortage caused by the recall has left many parents scrambling to feed their children, according to reports. The formula has been recalled in about three dozen countries.

Meanwhile, parents whose babies drank the recalled infant formula are taking matters into their own hands by suing the company in a class action lawsuit. 

If your child became sick after consuming the recalled baby formula, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit investigation and obtain compensation. Click here for more information.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Similac, Alimentum and EleCare Infant Formulas Recalled Due To Possible Contamination
• Recall Check: Rompe Pecho Expands Recall of Cold and Flu Medicines Due to Risk of Microbial Contamination
• Zicam Cold Remedy False Advertising Class Action Claims Tossed, For Now
• Walgreens Class Action Alleges Company Misleads Customers With its Non-Drowsy Cough Medicines