If a product is included in the recall, do not use the product. The recalled products have been sold across the country. Still, the experience pushed economists to call for bans on buybacks, stricter antitrust enforcement, and limits on shareholder dividends. Retail companies like Walmart have already put a cap on how many you can buy per transaction. (61), The contamination was attributed to a manufacturing problem, but no serious health problems were reported concerning this recall. (32), The products originated from Zurich, Switzerland, and were trucked to Germany. The following are some of the baby formulas recalled in 2021: These are imported products from Europe distributed by the online retail store LittleBundle website starting May 20, 2021. (30), To directly address the formula shortage, Biden invoked the Defense Production Act on May 18, 2022. (45), As the formula shortage drove desperate parents to find online options, there were reports of products being offered on eBay for as high as $800, despite normally costing $43 to $47. Importing formulas is one of the Biden administrations measures to help ease the ongoing shortage in the US. The FDA said environmental samples from the facility have yielded positive results for the Cronobacter bacteria, but there have been no reports of salmonella so far. Call Similac for refund processing or product replacement. 2 fl oz ready-to-feed liquid products included in this voluntary recall: Its important to note that not all recalled products were distributed in all countries and not all 2 fl oz/59 ml formulas are included in the recall. Inspect domestic and international suppliers. Recalled: Similac Formulas Manufacturer's Recall Notice FDA Recall Notice sold at: Target Stores and Target.com recall date: 2/17/2022 Recall Description For more specific information regarding this recall, visit the government agency or manufacturer website: Product Recall Details Target Item Number: Key ingredients found in breast milk including 5 HMO prebiotics. The Cronobacter sakazakii that was found in environmental testing during the investigation was in non-product contact areas of our Sturgis facility and has not been linked to the two available patient samples or any other known infant illness. CNN Abbott Labs said Friday that it is recalling certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid formula for infants and children due to a problem with the bottle caps. Similac recalls several powdered formulas for possible contamination that can cause Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infection. (40), The two children (a toddler and a preschooler) were using EleCare, a specialty formula they needed because they both have short bowel syndrome and couldnt absorb full-size proteins. However, issuing the voluntary recall was the right thing to do because they didnt want to risk the childrens lives and health. It may cause a decrease in vitamin C levels over time. (21), Rep. Andy Harris, chair of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the FDA, claimed that it wasnt a money problem but a leadership issue. (47), However, the released products dont include the recently recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formulas. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This recall was done after the death of another infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. The one fatal case has not been confirmed to be solely related to a Cronobacter infection, according to the FDA. (28). Failure to establish a system of process controls that covers all stages of processing to ensure that baby formula doesnt become contaminated due to the presence of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) in the formula or in its processing environment. . (1), ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Recall, The Similac Recall & The Formula Shortage (2022), in the US, worried parents are having difficulty finding supplies for their babies. Some brands have very similar packaging for different types of formula. A review of the firms internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firms destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter. A review of the firms internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firms destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter. (2), Cronobacter can cause severe, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spine), according to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention). Although its still unclear what impact this reopening might have on the baby formula shortage, Abbott Nutrition hopes that it can help improve the market supply. Why did it take four months to pull this formula off store shelves? (20), Bubs Australia at least 1.25 million cans of baby formula (22), UK manufacturer Kendal Nutricare (makers of Kendamil) around 100 trucks over the next six months (23), Abbott Needs To Comply With Court Consent Decree Before Production Can Resume, Hiring an independent third party expert who will review its processes, Cleaning and sanitizing the entire facility, including all equipment, Restarting all the equipment and completing test runs, Conducting multiple tests of all equipment, Abbotts Serious Steps To Address The Formula Shortage, Creating a $5 million fund for children hospitalized due to lack of access to specialized products, Converting production lines at their Columbus, Ohio, facility to prioritize the production of ready-to-feed liquid infant formula, Air-shipping millions of widely used powdered baby formulas from an FDA-approved plant in Ireland to the US, More than double the current production to help produce more products to address the shortage, Make significant investments to improve facilities to ensure the issue doesnt happen again, Invest in upgrading safety and quality processes and equipment, FDA Refutes Abbotts Claim Regarding Bacterial Strains, Groups Claim Abbott Enriched Shareholders While Plant Needed Repairs, Pelosi Eyes Criminal Charges Over Baby Formula Shortage, For Abbott Nutrition raw materials like sugar and corn syrup for infant formula, For Reckitt filters and other single-use products to generate certain oils needed in their infant formula production, Formula Makers Import European Stocks To Help With US Shortage. Still, parents are also having trouble finding these products for their babies. (28), Also, she believes that restrictions should be imposed on companies that receive federal funding or in Abbotts case, companies whose largest customers are federal programs such as the WIC. Cronobacter infections are rare but can be especially dangerous for newborn babies. Thankfully, the children have all been discharged. It also called for the appointment of a strong leader and the reorganization of the FDAs food program. Tests of retained product samples from the recalled Similac PM 60/40 lot were negative for Cronobacter. Abbott clarifies that no distributed product (Similac PM 60/40 or the previously recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas) tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. (37). Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. (35), The bill passed in the House with a large bipartisan majority vote. This recall equates to less than one day's worth of the total number of ounces of infant formula fed in the U.S. and is not expected to impact the overall U.S. infant formula supply. Reckitt facilities can also operate at their maximum capacity following these shipments. Similac infant formula will be produced in "alternative product sizes and formats for delivery to retail locations, in addition to increased production throughout our global manufacturing network," Abbott said. Click Here for Recall Information: 2 fl oz Ready-to-Feed Liquid Recall (Oct 2022) or Powder Formula Recall (Feb 2022). If a product is included in the recall,do not use the product. Similac 360 Total Care Milk-based infant formula with iron A 20 Cal/fl oz, nutritionally complete, non-GMO, milk-based, iron fortified infant formula designed to support the immune system, brain development and digestive health. (31), Aside from ramping up productions, Biden also launched Operation Fly Formula. He directed various government agencies to use the Department of Defense planes to pick up formulas that meet U.S. standards overseas and fly these to the U.S. to help restock shelves. (31). In particular, this measure will let WIC participants buy any formula from any available supplier rather than be limited by the unavailable WIC-approved brand. Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test. Formulas still to arrive starting in June or July: The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) warned consumers who bought from Shoppers Drug Mart to check their products after the retail pharmacy giant accidentally sold recalled baby formulas from Abbott due to an online error. (17). (62), Lot codes 40177RH and 40172RH, with a use by date of Nov. 1, 2007, The bottles lack a special layer that keeps air out. So, its important to follow the instructions found on the packaging for proper preparation, handling, and storage of all powder formulas to avoid contamination. Double-check the full product name, lot code, batch number, and the expiration or use by date. (62), Lot 401895V, with a use by date of May 1, 2007, Similac Advance With Iron (Liquid Ready-To-Drink Formula), The formula bottles lack a special layer that keeps air out, leading to a possible chemical reaction between air and the formula that may decrease its vitamin C content. (2)(3). Instead, these products were those put on hold amid the recall. (44), Updating the protocols for cleaning, water, and maintenance procedures, Upgrading the facility with the installation of sanitary floors that are easily cleanable and nonporous, Reviewing and updating their training system, education, and all safety procedures applicable for employees and visitors, White House Announces Measures For Formula Shortage, Cracking Down On Price Gouging & Unfair Market Practices, Abbott Nutrition Announces Release Of Some Products Amid Shortage, include the recently recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formulas. Similac 360 Total Care * Infant Formula is made with an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breast milk. From December 1, 2021, to March 3, 2022, the FDA reportedly received a total of nine reports of formula-related baby deaths, with two among the four confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infections that led to the February 2022 Similac recall. Details: The recall is for 2 fluid ounce/59 ml bottles that were manufactured at the companys Columbus, Ohio, manufacturing facility and distributed primarily to hospitals, doctors offices, distributors and some U.S. retailers, Abbott said. This is subject to the FDAs approval. (13), 750,000 cans of Danone formula, which is equivalent to 19 million 8-ounce bottles, will arrive from their manufacturing facility in Ireland in July. Many formulas from name brands like Similac are designed to closely resemble breast milk. Overview Searching for a milk formula for your little one, but unsure which one to pick? (12), These flights will arrive starting on June 24. Alternatives To Similac & Other Recalled Baby Formulas, *Check out our interviews with Serenity Kids founders on their. According to the recall advisory, products from Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility have been distributed across the US and likely to have been exported to other countries. As of press time, Abbotts Sturgis plant remains closed. If you have questions, please contact Abbott's Consumer Relations hotlines below in the country where you received product: Join Similac Rewards for up to $400*in benefits and support throughout your journey. This can result in spoilage. hide caption. Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints forCronobacter sakazakiitested negative forCronobacter. Safeguarding Infant Health during the Recall First European Shipment Arrives In The US, House Passes $28 Million Emergency Spending & WIC Flexibility Bills. (45), According to the White House fact sheet, some unscrupulous retailers or individuals used the formula shortage to hoard products from legitimate suppliers. (51)(52), The FDAs preliminary findings show the following: (51)(52), The Senate health committee asked Abbott to detail the amount of time it took them to start the recall from the first reported case. The case remains under investigation, with authorities still trying to determine the cause of the infants Cronobacter sakazakii infection. Click on the "Learn More" button to see lot numbers included in the recall or scroll down to Check Lot Number. Congressional leaders and various groups also want to hold the FDA accountable for whatever lapses or responsibilities it might have overlooked that led to the Abbott plant closure and baby formula shortage. One grants the secretary of the Department of Agriculture the permanent flexibility to issue waivers in the event of supply disruption. It will take around three weeks or June 20 before these formulas will hit market shelves. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. This investigation is ongoing. Although the indictment might be necessary to prevent a similar shortage from happening again, urgent action is necessary to protect the hungry, crying babies. Update password per the new system standards (8 Characters). (21), Abbott reportedly enjoyed profits soaring as high as 94% between 2019 and 2021 even as bacteria was detected in its products during the same period. (51)(52). Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Milk-based infant formula with iron A 20 Cal/fl oz, nutritionally complete, non-GMO, milk-based, iron fortified infant formula designed for use for sensitive tummies as a milk-based alternative to standard milk-based formulas for sensitive tummies. It may also cause bowel damage and can spread through the blood to other parts of the body. Groups are calling on FDA officials to make food safety a priority to avoid a repeat of the formula crisis. ", What's next: The company said it is continuing production of Similac 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter Ready-to-Feed liquid formula products for "hospitals and healthcare providers' offices on a different production line. If yes, what happened, and which products were included? They believe that having a leader in this position can unify and improve the FDAs food program. (56), Call 800-986-8850 or visit similac.com/recall (the companys website for recalls), Similac Go & Grow Milk Early Shield Powder, When we identified this, we did extensive testing of every product on the (factory) line, and more than 99.8 percent of the product was negative for beetle contamination, , said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz. (35), Republican House representatives filed a counter bill they call the Babies Need More Formula Now Act which aims to obtain formulas from overseas sources. If you have questions, please contact Abbott's Consumer Relations hotlines below in the country where you received product: More Recalls, Market (8), Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Enfamil and now the US largest formula supplier, operates its formula factories 24/7 but believes that the crisis will persist until spring. (13), The company needs to conduct comprehensive testing with an independent third party to determine if the plant is safe to reopen. If your product is affected by this recall, dont use it even if it looks alright. Falsified records about several safety and quality concerns, including signing verifications without adequate knowledge, testing of seals, shipping products with fill weights lower than whats on the label, failure to maintain accurate maintenance records, etc. Abbott also reminds parents and caregivers that Cronobacter sakazakii can be commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas around the home. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. The company announced that it will prioritize EleCare production as well as other specialty and metabolic formulas for babies with severe food allergies and digestive problems. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive 30.2 oz. So, major disruptions of these companies supplies, such as a massive recall like the February 2022 Similac recall, can greatly affect the formula supply in the market. (33), Formula makers quickly responded, with Nestle importing Alfamino from Switzerland and also Gerber Good Start Extensive HA from the Netherlands. (42). Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter sakazakii results from environmental samples taken by the FDA and adverse inspectional observations by the FDA investigators. 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