FDA, CDC opens investigation into cronobacter and salmonella complaints in infant formula

Article

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are looking into 4 complaints about illness linked to Abbott Nutrition formula produced in a Michigan factory.

The US Food and Drug Administration has started an inspection of the Sturgis, Michigan Abbott Nutrition plant that manufactured powedered infant formula that has been linked to 3 reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and 1 report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants.1 All of the infants required hospitalization and 1 died.

The findings found so far include multiple positive C sakazakii results from samples. A review of records showed potential environmental contamination from C sakazakii as well as product that had been destroyed because of the presence of the bacteria.

Abbott Nutrition started a voluntary recall of the formula yesterday, February 17, 2022. The affected products are Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare with the following information that can be found on the bottom:

  • 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.

Reference

1. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints: powdered infant formula. Published February 18, 2022. Accessed February 18, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-and-salmonella-complaints-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022

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