Abbott voluntarily expands recall of powder formulas manufactured at one plant

STURGIS, Mich. — Abbott has issued a company statement announcing it is voluntarily recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.

This is in addition to lots of Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare® powder formula that were voluntarily recalled on Feb. 17.

The action comes after learning of the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and who had reportedly consumed Similac PM 60/40 from this lot. This case is under investigation, and at this time the cause of the infant’s Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined.

Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Additionally, recently tested retained product samples of Similac PM 60/40 Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot #27032K800 (case) were negative for Cronobacter.

On Feb. 17, 2022, Abbott initiated a 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.

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.

Additionally, as part of Abbott’s quality processes, Abbott reports that it conducts routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in Abbott’s manufacturing facilities.

“During testing in our Sturgis, Michigan, 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,” Abbott said in a published statement.

Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test, said Abbott.

While Abbott’s testing of distributed product detected no pathogens, Abbott said it 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 are included in the recall, nor are powder formulas or nutrition products from other facilities.

If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter or Salmonella infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, click on the button below to check your lot number.

Link to Initial Press Release