Louisiana Parents Beware: The Baby Formula Recall Just Got Worse
Just over 2 weeks ago, the FDA shocked parents of newborns in Louisiana and the entire country with a recall on some very popular and widely used powdered baby formulas. Parent company Abbott voluntarily recalled some Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products manufactured in their Sturgis, Michigan plant due to the possibility of contamination. Now, the FDA is expanding the recall for the worst reason possible.
According to a report from News Nation Now, the Food and Drug Administration is now investigating the death of an infant who is suspected of consuming tainted formula. That baby reportedly consumed a product known as Similac PM 60/40. Based on that information, the company has issued another recall for Similac PM 60/40 with the lot codes: 27032K80 (for the individual cans) and 27032K800 (for the case).
Earlier this month, Abbott confirmed that they had discovered the contaminant Cronobacter sakazakii in a "non-product contact area." Because of the possibility (however slim) the company recalled powdered formulas that were made in the plant during the time the contamination could've occurred.
Update: After publishing this story, Abbott reached out to us in order to issue this official statement:
We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family. 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.
The cases are under investigation and at this time the cause of the infants’ infections have not been determined. All infant formula products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. In addition, retained samples related to the complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella tested negative for Salmonella.
To search the entire list of recalled formulas by brand and lot number, you can check the entire list and keep up with future recalls on formulas the Abbot company makes - click here.