Some powdered infant formula has been recalled due to possible bacterial contamination

OLYMPIA—Abbott Nutrition announced late on Thursday, February 17, that it is voluntarily recalling powdered infant formula produced at their Sturgis facility in Michigan. This includes Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare brand formula.

The recall comes after four consumer complaints about infant illnesses related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella bacteria. In all four cases, infants were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating and working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local partners to alert customers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products manufactured at that facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formula 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.

Washington WIC is in the process of alerting local WIC providers and WIC participants of the voluntary recall. If you have one of these cans, you SHOULD NOT use the formula. Either return it to the store, contact Similac at http://www.similacrecall.com, or call 1-800-986-8540. WIC families are encouraged to call their clinic if they cannot get resolution from the store.

If you don’t participate in WIC but are concerned you may have one of the recalled formulas, please visit http://www.similacrecall.com, or call 1-800-986-8540. The website allows you to look up the formula lot number to see if it’s been recalled.

If your infant has consumed the recalled formula, please contact your healthcare provider.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms may include:

• poor feeding

• irritability

• temperature changes

• jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes)

• grunting breaths

• abnormal movements

Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases, may become fatal.

Don’t dilute infant formula. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the can to prepare the formula. The FDA advises parents and caregivers not to make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe. The WA WIC program is one of the ways we carry out this work by providing access and services that improve the lifelong health and nutrition of over 140,000 women, infants, and young children in Washington state.