Liquid baby formula and all other products produced by Abbott Nutrition are not affected. White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese said that the Air Force cargo plane carried 15% of the specialty medical-grade baby formula needed in the US. (28), This alarmed progressive economic advocacy group, Groundwork Collaborative. (21), Thanks to these special flights, shipments that normally take two weeks can reach the US within 72 hours. (42). Abbott Nutrition acknowledges their role in the infant formula shortage. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Abbott has informed the FDA of this new setback and announced that formula production will likely be delayed for a few weeks. Some of these facility improvements include the following: (44), US President Joe Biden met with infant formula manufacturers and retailers, including Reckitt, Gerber, Walmart, and Target, to discuss strategies to get more formula quickly yet safely onto store shelves to solve the ongoing shortage. On February 18, Abbott brand powdered infant formula products sold across the country have been flagged and recalled by the CIFA as there is the possibility of Cronobacter sakazakii and . Theyre also asking for answers to get to the bottom of the problem and to ensure that infant formula contaminations wouldnt happen again. 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. (61), Similac Special Care Ready-to-Feed Premature Infant Formula Powder with Iron (2-ounce bottles), Is There A Recall On Similac Alimentum? The following are affected by this recall: (2). However, even with the plants reopening, Abbott Nutrition estimates that the new products will only reach the store shelves in around six to eight weeks. (7). (32), Some children with complex medical issues have been hospitalized for malnutrition at the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta in Georgia, with some admitted back in February after the Abbott plant was closed. (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. Federal inspectors found several safety violations: (43)(51)(52). (33), Formula makers quickly responded, with Nestle importing Alfamino from Switzerland and also Gerber Good Start Extensive HA from the Netherlands. Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence ofCronobacter sakazakii. (1)(2), Then, ready-to-feed liquid products (product names listed below) were recalled in October over a manufacturing that might cause spoilage. (14)(15), 200,000 8-ounce bottles of Kendamil formulas arrived at Dulles International Airport in Virginia from the United Kingdom. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explained that this first batch can provide enough formula for around 9,000 babies and 18,000 toddlers for one week. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. A company spokesperson explained that their strong balance sheet allowed them to invest in improving their facilities even with the stock buybacks. Our formula also has nutrition designed for immune support, brain development, and digestive health. (32), Another shipment with 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula from the Netherlands is expected to arrive via the second flight of Operation Fly Formula. Abbott Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of ready-to-feed liquid products (2 fl oz or 59 ml bottles), produced at their manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio, due to a manufacturing defect. It was also quickly approved by the Senate and is now up to Biden to sign into law. A thorough review of all available data indicates that the infant formula produced at our Sturgis facility is not likely the source of infection in the reported cases and that there was not an outbreak caused by products from the facility., Findings released by federal safety inspectors on March 22, 2022, show that Abbotts Sturgis, Michigan manufacturing plant involved in the recent Similac recall had several safety issues. The FDA issued the recall advisory after four infants from three different states (MN, OH, and TX) fell ill after reportedly consuming Similac powdered infant formula produced in Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility. (53), Also, some of the formulas have low iron levels that didnt meet the minimum of 1 mg iron per 100 calories. Any changes to their formula need to be carefully monitored to make sure they could be well tolerated. Similac and other formulas will be next in line once production starts. Cronobacter infection can be deadly, especially to newborns. (29), This huge increase includes a $76 million increase in food safety funding to improve technology to quickly trace the source of foodborne illnesses and other efforts to reduce toxins in food. Yes. Although the formula shortage began in 2021, Abbotts massive recall worsened the problem. (1), According to the recall advisory, these are the affected products: (1), Abbott Nutrition clarified that only a small percentage of bottles might have been affected by the manufacturing defect. FDA Details Safety Issues At Abbott Plant Linked To Formula Recalls, Failure to maintain the sanitary conditions of surfaces used to prepare and handle formula, bacteria contamination between fall 2019 and February 2022. during the first recall, then Similac PM 60/40 in the second recall. Once they get the FDAs go-signal, Abbott will return to EleCare production before restarting Similac and other formula lines. (31), The company representative added that theyre checking if they could tap into the Nestle global nutrition network for other formulas they could import after the FDA announced that companies are given temporary flexibility for importing baby formulas to address the shortage. (1). Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. 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. For many of these kids, finding the right formula can be a long, complicated process to make sure that it can meet their nutritional needs while also ensuring it wont trigger a potentially dangerous reaction, including dehydration or diarrhea. (9), The FDA plans on allowing the import of overseas formulas from temporary importers to go beyond the shortage in a bid to prevent it from happening again. The FDA is advising consumers not to use recalled Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas. After the recall, however, they had to try other formula options but were unable to tolerate them, leading to dehydration. This is in addition to lots of Similac, Alimentumand EleCarepowder formula that were voluntarily recalled on Feb. 17. Theyre now investigating the circumstances of the babys death. To identify if your product is included, please visit similacrecall.com to view a list of impacted lot numbers or use the lot number checker on the webpage. Priority will be given to worst-hit regions, a Biden administration official said. What they're saying: "These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage," the company said in a statement. I am deeply concerned about the practices at this Abbott facility and their apparent failure to implement and enforce internal controls at this facility. (28), American Economic Liberties Project senior fellow Moe Tkacik accused companies like Abbott of using their products as a personal ATM. We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family. Click on the "Learn More" button to see lot numbers included in the recall or scroll down to Check Lot Number. Understanding the need for the international community to help solve the US crisis as more babies go hungry, several foreign baby formula companies offered to help. One grants the secretary of the Department of Agriculture the permanent flexibility to issue waivers in the event of supply disruption. Then, theyre marking these up for online retail at exorbitant prices. The case remains under investigation, with authorities still trying to determine the cause of the infants Cronobacter sakazakii infection. (37). Similac powdered baby formula with an expiration date on or after April 1, 2022, and a code with first two digits of 22 through 37 and containing K8, SH or Z2 are part of a voluntary recall by its manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition. The following formulas havent been recalled: Always make sure to check with your babys pediatrician before starting or switching formulas. And the retained sample related to the complaint forSalmonellaNewport tested negative forSalmonella. Consolidation Makes Formula Market Vulnerable, Reckitt Benckiser (Mead-Johnsons Enfamil), Making Food Safety A Priority To Avoid Repeat Of Formula Crisis, Babies Hospitalized Due To Formula Shortage, Two Children Hospitalized Because Their Specialty Formula Is Out Of Stock, Babies Hospitalized For Intolerance To New Formula & Mineral Imbalances, Undisclosed Number Of Children Hospitalized in Georgia, Undisclosed Number Of Kids Hospitalized in Wisconsin, Abbott Nutrition To Reopen Sturgis Plant Involved In Recall, According to Abbott Nutrition, theyll prioritize producing, and other formulas will be next in line once production starts. Similac 360 Total Care * Infant Formula is made with an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breast milk. ", Dunkin' fans heated over rewards program change, Time running out to claim child tax credits, stimulus checks, Florida orange crop declines after Hurricane Ian damage, Burger King adds spicy Ghost Pepper Whopper for Halloween, "If spoiled product is consumed, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur.". If your product is affected by this recall, dont use it even if it looks alright. According to DeLauro, the whistleblower (name withheld for security reasons) wrote a 34-page report with a long list of allegations about security lapses and unsafe practices at the plant. If you still wish to opt-out, please click the button below to confirm. Abbott assured the public that they are taking this very seriously and working closely with the FDA to implement corrective actions. (51)(52). By opting-out, you are removing your phone number from your Similac profile. Call your pediatrician or doctor if your child shows signs of medical issues (such as stomach upset) from drinking the recalled product. (26), However, he clarified that they wouldnt tolerate having bacteria in their plant, something that the FDA found during their investigation. "We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition," Abbott said in a statement provided to NPR. Nine Baby Deaths Reported During FDA Investigation, 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, infections that led to the February 2022 Similac recall. Many European formulas arent approved by the FDA, although many parents still prefer them over US brands. 360 Whole-Baby Support: Nutrition designed for immune support, brain development, and digestive health; Helps Strengthen the Immune System: Similac 360 Total Care is designed to help strengthen baby's immune system; Convenient & Ready to Use: Great for on-the-go and late-night feeding; no mixing required (1) Is Similac formula good for babies? I am equally concerned that the FDA reacted far too slowly to this report. Similac powdered baby formula with an expiration date on or after April 1, 2022, and a code with first two digits of 22 through 37 and containing K8, SH or Z2 are part of a voluntary recall by its manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition. Affected customers were advised to search for the lot number of their item at similac.com/recall. The first recall (Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas) was issued on February 17 due to possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, which caused serious infections. (31), However, these specialty formulas arent expected to hit retail store shelves. (45), According to the White House fact sheet, some unscrupulous retailers or individuals used the formula shortage to hoard products from legitimate suppliers. One of the cases was fatal. President Joe Biden had previously directed various agencies to import products from companies overseas that meet US standards using military planes through Operation Fly Formula. (21). (47). But it poses no immediate health risk of food poisoning. Bing Guan/Reuters Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fl oz/59 ml bottles of ready-to-feed liquid products, including the brandsSimilac Pro-Total Comfort, Similac360 Total Care, Similac360 Total CareSensitive, SimilacSpecial Care24, SimilacStage 1, SimilacWater (Sterilized), Similac NeoSure, and PedialyteElectrolyte Solution. (55), Batch no. For all feeding-related questions or questions about your childs health, contact a healthcare professional. They believe that having a leader in this position can unify and improve the FDAs food program. Two recalled Similac products were sold between November 1, 2020, and February 17, 2022:. There werent any new cases identified as part of the investigation. The company clarified that these products are only available in limited quantities because production hasnt resumed at the Sturgis facility. Double-check the full product name, lot code, batch number, and the expiration or use by date. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. (28), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that there might be a need for indictment after the nationwide baby formula shortage is resolved. The FDA requires formula manufacturers to meet this requirement to help prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can lead to irreversible functional development outcomes. (1). Only the specific brands, types, and sizes listed above are WIC approved. (40). (19). Federal inspectors found several safety violations: Some employees failed to sanitize their hands. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is also coordinating with various states to let WIC recipients purchase whatever products are in stock instead of being limited to WIC-approved options. During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. (31), Through the Operation Fly Formula, the first batch of formulas (78,000 lbs) arrived in the US to supply specialty infant formula. But with so many options available, even from the same brand, finding the right formula for your baby can be a huge challenge for many parents. Although the indictment might be necessary to prevent a similar shortage from happening again, urgent action is necessary to protect the hungry, crying babies. (21), To prevent a similar shortage from happening again, the bill also requires formula manufacturers to create a contingency plan to protect against supply disruptions in the event of a recall. Before the massive Similac recall, Abbott Nutrition topped the market spot with 40% of the market share, closely followed by the long-time number 2 player in the US, Enfamil. (39). Those infected with salmonella might experience fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. However, the recall and Abbotts plant closure elevated Enfamil to the top spot with 50% of the market share, Reckitt Benckiser claims. (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. . Instead, theyll be distributed to pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors offices first. Childrens Wisconsin warns that homemade formula can cause liver and/or kidney damage. They established an IMG (Incident Management Group) to continue working on these supply chain and food safety issues as the out-of-stock rates soared to 43%. (41)(42). (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. (21), Under this act, suppliers must prioritize orders from infant formula manufacturers before any of their other customers who may have ordered the same goods. ). (1), These products were distributed to some doctors offices, hospitals, distributors, and retailers in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, Barbados, St Thomas, Jamaica, St Croix, Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia, and Haiti. 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. This position can unify and improve the FDAs go-signal, Abbott will return to EleCare production before restarting Similac other., or EleCare powdered infant formulas you still wish to opt-out, please click the button below to.! Parents still prefer them over US brands this report 15 ), economic... Following formulas havent been recalled: Always make sure they could be well tolerated this very seriously and closely... 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