Infant Formula Recall: Updates

Jun 3

INFANT FORMULA RECALL UPDATES AS OF JUNE 2, 2022

“Abbott has officially announced that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan has amended the recent Consent Decree which allows the release of certain quantities of EleCare® specialty amino-acid based formulas that were previously on hold following the Feb. 17 recall of some powder infant formulas from its Sturgis, Michigan facility. All products have been tested and meet all product release requirements. In addition, Abbott has concluded additional, enhanced testing to provide assurance the product is safe to distribute. Abbott plans to restart production at the Sturgis Facility on June 4 and will prioritize EleCare production, with initial EleCare product release to consumers beginning on or about June 20.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CONSUMER?

“Abbott has limited quantities of EleCare and EleCare Jr. Vanilla products available for distribution and we will be working with healthcare professionals to ensure the products are distributed to infants and children with urgent medical needs. Abbott will be releasing this product immediately to help families impacted by the lack of availability of EleCare®. Abbott will fulfill requests to the best of its ability and as quickly as possible. Products will be shipped directly to healthcare professionals, hospitals or consumers. Once production resumes on the Sturgis facility in the first week of June, Abbott will prioritize manufacturing of EleCare® and other specialty and metabolic formulas to restock supplies as quickly as possible. Similac® and Alimentum® powder formulas that were voluntarily recalled in February are not included in this product release. Additionally, no EleCare Jr Unflavored, Chocolate, or Banana are available as a part of this product release.”

If you have any questions or concerns about the most recent updates, please call the Abbott Consumer Relations line at 1-800-881-0876.

AS OF MAY 11, 2022

Abbott concluded from the four reported infant illnesses, two fatal, that “the facts about what was learned about the cases of Cronobacter have not been widely communicated. After a thorough review of all available data, there is no evidence to link our formulas to these infant illnesses.” Nevertheless, due to the formula recalls and supply chain issues, families across the country have been struggling to find the formula needed for their infants. In a statement released by Abbott they mention “We know that the recall has worsened the industry-wide infant formula shortage, and we have been working to get as much product into the hands of parents as we can.”

Abbott knows the formula recalls have worsened an already existing industry-wide infant formula shortage in the U.S. and has seen and heard the stress and despair of parents who are facing empty shelves. Abbott has been working to increase supply at their other FDA-registered facilities, including bringing in Similac from our site in Cootehill, Ireland, by air and producing more liquid Similac® and Alimentum®. They also began releasing metabolic formulas that were on hold earlier this month at FDA’s request to those who need these unique formulas.

Abbott also mentions they are aware and understand the situation is urgent. They believe getting Sturgis up and running will help alleviate this shortage. Subject to FDA approval, Abbott could restart the site shortly. They would begin production of EleCare®, Alimentum®, and metabolic formulas first and then begin production of Similac and other formulas. From the time Abbott restarts the site, it will take six to eight weeks before product is available on shelves.

AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Earlier this year on February 17, 2022, Abbott issued formula recalls of certain infant formula that included Alimentum®, Similac®, and EleCare® products. These specific formula recalls were due to four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powdered infant formula that was manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. Since this report, Abbott released a voluntary recall of all formula associated with the reports to ensure proper protocol of quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. This product must be tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens. Each formula must come back negative before any more products are released.

WHAT IS CRONOBACTER SAKAZAKII, SALMONELLA NEWPORT?

“Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium that in rare instances can cause illness in young infants and the elderly. It is found naturally in the environment, including soil, water, in foods and in the home environment. It can be found in or on household surfaces, including those used for food preparation. It’s important to follow instructions for proper preparation, handling and storage of infant formula.”

FIND OUT IF YOUR FORMULA HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL:

Not all products have been affected by these specific formula recalls. If you have a powdered Similac, Alimentum® or EleCare® powered product, look for:

*Lot numbers 27032K80 (can) and 27032K800 (case). These are the only lot numbers for Similac PM 60/40 being recalled.
To check if your lot number is a part of the formula that is recalled, click HERE.
If your product is affected by the recall, do not use it and go to similacrecall.com for a refund or replacement, depending on the type of product. You should seek safe, alternative feeding options or talk to your healthcare provider if you need a replacement or temporary alternative.

Sentido Health would like to reiterate that we are constantly contacting manufacturers and our distribution network to find suitable alternatives until re-access to the formulas affected is fully available. We are determined to make sure our patients have every opportunity to receive their monthly supply. That is our expectation and our goal for all our patients. Our on-call staff is more than happy to help you with any comments, questions, or concerns regarding the recent formula recalls.

To contact Sentido simply:

Text or call us at (713) 955-2123

Or submit a contact form HERE