Infant Formula Recall: Similac, Alimentum, EleCare

2/23/22

​

If you are concerned that your infant has been affected by one of the recalled brands, please call our office.  Signs to monitor for babies: fever, poor feeding, crying, low energy, bloody stools, and diarrhea. Please see this link from the CDC for further details.  If you are uncertain about what replacement formula to use, please call our office. 

 

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating four consumer complaints of infant illness received from 9/20/2021 to 1/11/2022. All of the cases are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula produced at Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan. These complaints include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.

 

FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at the facility. Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples taken by FDA, and adverse inspectional observations by FDA investigators. A review of the firm’s internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firm’s destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter.  The FDA is issuing this advisory to alert consumers to avoid purchasing or using recalled powdered infant formula produced in the Sturgis, Michigan facility. On 2/17/2022, Abbott Nutrition initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States and were likely exported to other countries as well. 

​

The FDA is advising consumers not to use recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas. Recalled products can be identified by the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package (see image below). Products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:

• 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.

Additional recall information is available on the FDA website. Parents can also enter their product lot code on the company’s website to check if it is part of the recall. Please remember that not all lot numbers have been recalled. This recall affects only formula made at this one facility. Check to see if your formula is on the recall list. 

​

Additional Information for Parents and Caregivers:

The recall does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Consumers should continue to use all product not included in the recall. Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Consumers should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit. If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices. A link to the complete FDA article can be found here.

​

Important Information During the Coronavirus Outbreak

(updated 1/14/22)

​

Remember you are the front line in the protection from this pandemic. Remember to use basic infection control strategies such as social distancing, masks, and frequent hand washing. As always, we will remain available to address your concerns and worries during this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding and patience with us as we do our very best to provide the care your children need and deserve. 

​

In order to protect our patients, families, staff, and our community from the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) we will continue to follow safe public health measures. 

​

1) All staff, parents, and children over age two need to wear a mask before entering the office. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one. 

​

2) With some exceptions, we request that visits are limited to the child who is being seen and one parent or caregiver. We want all children and families to feel comfortable during their visit and will accommodate other family members, as needed. For established patients 12 years or older, we ask that the parent participate in the visit by phone and stay in their car in an effort to practice social distancing. 

​

3) We are still not using our waiting room and request that all patients (except walk-in the first hour) wait in their car until they are met at the door by a nurse. Patients will be escorted to the exam room. Air purifiers with MERV 13 filters have been installed in all exam rooms, and other areas in the building. Glass dividers have been installed to separate the reception area, the nurses area, and the hallways. 

​

4) All sick visits (including most walk-in visits) will be seen in our well ventilated outdoor or indoor isolation rooms.  Dr Evans, Dr. Heath, or Eric Bornemann will meet you in these rooms wearing PPE. 

​​

5)  Our Telehealth platform is Sewaneepeds.doxy.me. Telehealth may be appropriate for many visits such as ADD/ADHD management, asthma management, and some sick visits. If you are interested in a Telehealth encounter, please request this when you call for an appointment.​

​

6) We have several options for SARS-CoV2 testing. We have a sensitive in-office PCR test with results in 20 minutes. We also can send samples to Genetic Assays and Path Group. These are also PCR tests and results are back in 24-48 hours. Here is a link from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital video to help your child prepare for the test: COVID-19 test

​

​