ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Feb. 17, 2022
/PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is initiating a proactive,
voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum
and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis,
Mich., 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, 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.
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 sakazakii tested negative for
Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to
the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella
Newport.
While Abbott's testing of finished product detected no
pathogens, we are 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 sakazakii is 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."
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
The products
under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the
container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37,
contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.
To find out if the product you have is included in this recall,
visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of
the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the
instructions provided. No action is needed for previously consumed
product. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact
your healthcare professional.
Some product was distributed to countries outside the U.S. A
list of these products can be found at similacrecall.com.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that
helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio
of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare,
with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical
devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 113,000
colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at
www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
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SOURCE Abbott