Why is Similac PM baby formula being recalled?
Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM baby formula after one child died.
The Food and Drug Administration made the announcement on February 28, 2022, warning parents not to purchase the latest baby formula to be recalled.
Why was Similac PM baby formula recalled?
Similac PM is the latest baby formula to be taken off the shelves after the FDA recalled three others, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare, on February 17.
The formula is used for babies who "would benefit from lower mineral intake" according to the formula description.
This is the latest recall after four infants developed Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one developed salmonella from the contaminated formula.
All five infants were hospitalized and two with Cronobacter sakazakii have since died.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a rare bacteria that, when ingested by infants, results in meningitis and septicemia.
Meningitis causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord and septicemia is blood poisoning - both of which are fatal.
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Similac PM is the most popular selling baby formula in the US and abroad and the number of formulas that need to be recalled is still unknown.
The recall is for the powdered baby formulas only and a company spokesperson said in a statement, “We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust and resolve this situation."
Abbott Nutrition issued a statement on and said, "This case is under investigation and at this time the cause of the infant's Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined.
"We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family."
What other baby formulas were recalled?
The FDA has said the recall includes powdered formulas for Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare that have a number starting with 22 through 37 and contains K8, SH, or Z2.
The recalled formulas also have an expiration date of April 1, 2022, and later.
Semilac PM baby formula's recall is for the number 27032K80 on the cans and the number 27032K800 on the case.
How can you contract Cronobacter sakazakii?
Cronobacter sakazakii cannot be transmitted from person-to-person and instead has to be directly consumed.
The infection is found most commonly in baby formula, according to the , which says in current working environments, the formula is not sterile.
This means if the contaminated raw material is used to make the formula, a child will contract the infection and of those infected, they will have a 40 percent mortality rate.
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The recalled baby formulas were manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan and the FDA told that it is "working with Abbott Nutrition to better assess the impacts of the recall and understand production capacity at other Abbott facilities that produce some of the impacted brands."
They added that moving forward the FDA will continue to work "on safe resumption of production at the Sturgis, Michigan facility."
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