A manufacturer has recalled baby formula sold under two brand names because of a fear of food poisoning.
Abbott has taken the precautionary step of recalling batches of Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac infant formula powders because of the possible presence of Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii.
Both products are foods used for special medical purposes for infants, ordinarily to be used under medical supervision.
The recall has been updated to include the possible presence of an additional pathogen and amended date and batch codes.
Salmonella is a food poisoning bug that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and is dangerous to young and vulnerable people.
Cronobacter can cause a dangerous blood infection (sepsis) or make the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord swell (meningitis).
Product details
| Elecare Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 28130Z20 |
| Best before | October 2022 |
| Elecare Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 29266Z20 |
| Best before | December 2022 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 27937Z26 |
| Best before | March 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 28123Z26 |
| Best before | April 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 29210Z20 |
| Best before | May 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 29280Z26 |
| Best before | May 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 30283Z26 |
| Best before | June 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 30281Z26 |
| Best before | June 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 31410Z20 |
| Best before | July 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 31411Z20 |
| Best before | July 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 33688Z20 |
| Best before | September 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 32431Z20 |
| Best before | October 2023 |
| Elecare Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 30374Z20 |
| Best before | December 2022 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 34929Z20 |
| Best before | October 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 35030Z20 |
| Best before | November 2023 |
| Elecare Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 32422Z21 |
| Best before | February 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 22333Z26 |
| Best before | October 2022 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 23443Z26 |
| Best before | November 2022 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 25550Z26 |
| Best before | January 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 25564Z26 |
| Best before | January 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 26867Z26 |
| Best before | February 2023 |
| Alimentum Similac | |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 400g |
| Batch code | 27936Z26 |
| Best before | March 2023 |
Symptoms caused by Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, although in severe cases may lead to sepsis or meningitis which include symptoms in infants including poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes) and abnormal breaths and movements.
Abbott is recalling the products and has contacted all stores and pharmacies that are supplying these products.
A spokesperson for Abbott said: “We value the trust parents and caregivers place in us, and ensuring the safety and quality of our products is our top priority. As part of Abbott's quality processes, all infant formula products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella and other pathogens, and they must test negative before any product is released. Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, including retained samples related to the four U.S. complaints, and we continue to test.”
If you have purchased or been prescribed any of the above product batches, do not feed it to your baby and return to the place of purchase. If you have additional questions, please contact Abbott on 01795 580303. If you have any concerns about the health of your baby, please seek medical advice.
