From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 20, 2022
After infections in US, Israel follows suit with recall of 2 Similac baby formula products
Following reports of illnesses among babies overseas, the Israeli importer of baby formula has announced its own recall of two products that are only sold under a prescription: Similac’s Alimentum and Human Milk Fortifier.
Abbott Israel, the local importer, says that it will collect about 700 units of the Abbott products as a precautionary measure, following a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration, as these were produced in the Michigan plant highlighted in the US recall.
Alimentum is sold under prescription in pharmacies, and cannot be found on supermarket aisles. Human Milk Fortifier is found in prenatal units at hospitals, and given only under prescription.
The FDA said last week that it is investigating four reports of infants who were hospitalized after consuming the formula, including one who died. The agency said one of the cases involved salmonella and three involved Cronobacter sakazakiim, a rare but dangerous germ that can cause blood infections and other serious complications.
Abbott, one of the largest infant formula makers in the US, said it is recalling all potentially affected products manufactured at the facility. The recall affects certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare with expiration dates of April 1, 2022, or later. The product was distributed throughout the US and overseas, the company said in a statement.
Abbott said parents can identify the recalled products by examining the number on the bottom of each container. The affected formulas have a number starting with 22 through 37, contain K8, SH, or Z2 and have an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or later.
AP contributed to this report.
