Abbott Nutrition is voluntarily recalling three types of infant formula after four babies fell ill with bacterial infections after consuming the products.
The recall, announced Thursday, affects certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas that were manufactured at an Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers not to use or purchase formula or certain powdered infant formulas produced at the facility.
“The FDA is investigating complaints about four childhood illnesses in three states,” the agency said in a statement Thursday. “The four cases linked to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.”
RECALL DATABASE: Check USA TODAY’s reminder resource for the latest updates
FOOD REMINDERS:How Technology Might Alert You Before You Eat That Contaminated Salad
Infants sick with Cronobacter sakazakii or salmonella
Three of the babies were sick with Cronobacter sakazakii and one had Salmonella Newport, the FDA said.
According to the FDA, Cronobacter bacteria can cause serious and life-threatening sepsis or meningitis, while salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever.
“We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals,” Joe Manning, Abbott’s executive vice president, nutritional products, said in a statement.
The FDA said it initiated an on-site inspection at the facility and findings so far include several “positive results for Cronobacter sakazakii.”
“As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many newborns and infants in our country, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections,” said Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner from the FDA for Food Policy and Response, in a statement.
DEODORANT REMINDER 2022:Brut, Sure aerosol deodorant and antiperspirant sprays recalled for benzene hazard
CANDLE REMINDER:Anthropologie recalls Anecdote Fall Glass Candles due to risk of breakage and fire hazard
Abbott recall: which products are being recalled?
Recalled products include Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula. Check a multi-digit number on the bottom of the container to see if your product is included:
The first two digits of the code range from 22 to 37; and
The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
Expiry date is 4-1-2022 (April 2022) or later.
More information is available at Similacrecall.com where you can type the code at the bottom of the pack. You can also call 1-800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided.
HOW REMINDERS WORK:Food recalls 101: How the chicken and salad mix is being pulled from shelves
DAILY MONEY BULLETIN: Money tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox. register here
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.