Abbott is recalling certain lots of 2-ounce ready-to-feed liquid formula for infants and children due to an issue with the bottle caps that could result in spoilage.
The voluntary recall affects Similac Pro-Total Comfort, Similac 360 Total Care, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Special Care 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac NeoSure, Similac Water (Sterilized) and Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution that were manufactured in Columbus, Ohio, according to an Abbott press release. No other liquid or powder formula brands are included.
Less than 1% of the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely. If children consume products that have spoiled, they could experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Most of the recalled products were distributed to hospitals and to some doctors’ offices and retailers. Abbott said it is producing these products for hospitals and health care providers’ offices from a different production line, and Similac infant formula is available in different product sizes for retail locations.
A list of recalled products and lot numbers is available at https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/2-fl-oz-recall-information.html. Abbott has sent letters to health care providers asking them to check their inventory for the recalled lots and complete a product response form by Oct. 28.
The recall comes during a tumultuous year that included an infant formula shortage caused by supply chain issues and the shutdown of an Abbott Nutrition plant following complaints of bacterial infections among several infants who had consumed the formula. Abbott said Friday it does not expect the new recall to impact the U.S. formula supply.
Health care providers can reach Abbott at 800-551-5838. The general public can contact customer service at 800-986-8540.
Resources
- Information for parents from HealthyChildren.org on imported formula, what to do if they can’t find formula and the risks of homemade formula
- FDA infant formula resources for parents and caregivers
- AAP News story “AAP experts offer advice on how pediatricians can help parents through formula shortage”
- Health and Human Services infant formula resources
- Information on the FDA investigation into powdered infant formula
- Information for WIC participants from the Department of Agriculture
- Information on submitting an urgent request for specialized formula
