Similac, Other Baby Formulas, Under Recall After Reports of Sick Babies

A voluntary recall of the popular Similac formula was issued following reports of bacterial infections in four babies. The company is issuing refunds. 

If you’ve got baby formula in the house, check to make sure it’s not one of three brands included in a national recall after four babies became seriously ill from bacterial infections.  

All three types  — Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare — were made in a Michigan facility by Abbott. They are under voluntary recall after reports of four babies being sickened and hospitalized by life-threatening Cronobacter and salmonella infections. The outbreak is under investigation by the FDA and CDC, federal agencies that monitor product safety and public health.

There were three cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infections, which cause severe illness in children and infants, and one report of Salmonella in babies living in Texas, Ohio and Minnesota. One child may have died from Cronobacter, which can cause sepsis or meningitis, according to the FDA.

The FDA wants parents or caregivers to examine any cans of Similac, Alimentum or EleCare to see if they were affected. 

How to Check for Recalled Formula

The recalled formula will have the following on the bottom of the formula jar:

• the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
• the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

You can also enter the formula lot number on a Similac recall website or call 1-800-986-8540 to see if the formula should be tossed and to request a refund.

Refunds are being processed through the recall website or, if purchased as part of the state-run WIC program, can be returned to a WIC office.