Popular Baby Formula Distributed in Iowa RECALLED After Infants Hospitalized

As a parent of an infant, this is not the news you want to hear.

Popular brands of baby formula are being recalled after several babies were hospitalized. According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Health, U.S. health officials have warned parents to not use three brands of powdered infant formulas after investigators linked them to bacterial contamination.

Abbott has issued a voluntary recall of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas that were manufactured at a plant in Michigan. The recall comes after reports of four infants that were hospitalized, including one who died, according to KWQC. These infants had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility and experienced Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport. This bacteria is "commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home," can cause "fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms," according to the IDPH press release.

These formulas are in circulation in "Iowa retail locations and have been distributed through the Iowa Department of Public Health’s WIC program." Infants should NOT consume these products.

What popular baby formulas have been recalled?

Powder formulas, including Similac®, Alimentum, and EleCare that were manufactured at the Michigan plant. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas, liquid formulas, or other Abbott nutrition powders and brands.

How do I find out if I have one of the recalled baby formulas?

Check the bottom of your infant formula container. You want to throw out any product that contains the following:

• An expiration of April 1, 2022, or later.
• The multidigit number on the bottom of the container starts with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2

A quick way to double-check too is to go to Abbott's website and put your product number in HERE. It will tell you if it's part of the recall.

What to do if I have one of the recalled baby formulas?

If you do have one of the recalled products, follow the instructions provided on Abbott's site. If your baby has recently consumed one of these formulas and is experiencing symptoms please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you think you probably don't have it, DOUBLE CHECK. I just purchased some formula from a local big-box store and it was one of the recalled products. Check your product numbers!

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating. We will continue to share information as the situation evolves.