Powdered Infant Formula Recalled, FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Certain Powdered Infant Formulas

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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is cautioning families about certain infant formula that has been recalled by Abbott for potentially containing a bacteria that can lead to hospitalization in infants. The recall includes powdered formulas Similac, Alimentum, EleCare and EleCare Jr., and they should not be used.

On Feb. 18, 2022, Abbott issued a voluntary recall for these products following an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration, which found the bacteria Cronobacter in samples from Abbott’s manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan. This bacteria can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections in people of all ages and can be very serious in infants.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying or very low energy. If your child is experiencing any  symptoms, you should notify your child’s medical provider and seek medical care for your child immediately.

Nationwide, three infants were hospitalized with Cronobacter infections between September and December 2021 after using the recalled formula; other possible cases are also under investigation. No infections linked to this recall have been identified in North Carolina to date. 

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, EleCare infant or EleCare Jr. powdered formulas if all of the following are true on the formula packaging:

  • The first two digits of the formula’s lot number are 22 through 37; and
  • The lot number contains K8, SH or Z2; and 
  • The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later. 

Consumers can che​ck their formula's lot number, located at the bottom of the formula container, to determine if it was included in this recall. Below are examples of containers showing where to find the lot number and check if they are between 22 and 37.