Baby Formula Recall: Here's What Parents Need to Know

Batches of three infant powdered formula brands have been voluntarily recalled because of possible bacterial infections. So far, four instances of infant illness have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration.

Which formulas are being recalled?

The FDA is telling consumers to check the codes and expiration dates on their formula if they use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare, manufactured by Abbott. Do not use the 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.

The code is printed on the product packaging near the expiration date (see product image). 

Enter your item online

You can also check to see if your product is recalled by entering the lot number printed on the bottom of the formula on the Abbott website. Go here to enter lot number.

If your item is part of the recall, Abbott says to return the product to the retailer where you purchased it or enter your information online so Abbott can send you product return instructions.

If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted by the recall.

Symptoms

Pediatrician Diane Arnaout, M.D., of Cook Children’s Pediatrics Forest Park, says that if you have been feeding your baby from one of these recalled batches, watch for extreme lethargy, fever, yellow eyes, severe  or bloody diarrhea, grunting breaths (in a child who seems sick) and poor feeding. Call your doctor if you are worried.

These affected powdered infant formulas have the potential to be contaminated with Cronobacter or Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness primarily in infants. 

The FDA is inspecting the facility where the batches were made. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local partners are also investigating the complaints.