Dept. of Health warns consumers not to use certain powdered infant formulas

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Department of Health in Okaloosa County has joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan.

This is an ongoing investigation, and Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of the potentially affected product. The FDA’s full press release can be found here.

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

If your child is experiencing any Cronobacter infection symptoms or Salmonella symptoms, you should seek medical care for your child immediately. 

Alternative Formula Use

Individuals should not use recalled infant formula and contact their health care provider for guidance on alternative infant formula use.

If you are a Florida Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program participant, do not use the recalled infant formula and do not discard or throw it out. Impacted Florida WIC Program participants should contact their local WIC office for information on how to return recalled infant formula for alternative replacements.

The Florida Department of Health is also reaching out to Florida WIC Program participants.

Contact information for local WIC offices can be found here or by calling 1-800-342-3556.

Additional Informational

Information regarding the FDA’s investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints in Abbott’s powdered infant formulas can be found here.

Information regarding Abbott’s voluntary recall of powder formulas can be found on the FDA’s website here. Abbott also issued a press release, which can be found here.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.