Abbott recalls some Similac, other powder baby formulas due to Salmonella, Cronobacter complaints

Abbott Park, Ill.: In response to the complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula, Abbott has recently announced the proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company's manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas, the company stated in its release.

"Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility", the release added.

"Additionally, as part of Abbott's quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. This investigation is ongoing. Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test.," the company stated.

Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released.

Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakiitested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for SalmonellaNewport tested negative for SalmonellaNewport.

While Abbott's testing of finished product detected no pathogens, the company is taking action by recalling the powder formula manufactured in this facility with an expiration of April 1, 2022, or later. No Abbott liquid formulas, powder formulas, or nutrition products from other facilities are impacted by the recall.

Cronobacter sakazakiiis commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home. It can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms. It's important to follow the instructions for proper preparation, handling and storage of powder formulas.

"We know parents depend on us to provide them with the highest quality nutrition formulas," said Joe Manning, executive vice president, nutritional products, Abbott. "We're taking this action so parents know they can trust us to meet our high standards, as well as theirs. We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals."