FDA, CDC opens investigation into cronobacter and salmonella complaints in infant formula

The US Food and Drug Administration has started an inspection of the Sturgis, Michigan Abbott Nutrition plant that manufactured powedered infant formula that has been linked to 3 reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and 1 report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants.¹ All of the infants required hospitalization and 1 died.

The findings found so far include multiple positive C sakazakii results from samples. A review of records showed potential environmental contamination from C sakazakii as well as product that had been destroyed because of the presence of the bacteria.

Abbott Nutrition started a voluntary recall of the formula yesterday, February 17, 2022. The affected products are Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare with the following information that can be found on the bottom:

• 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.

Reference

1. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints: powdered infant formula. Published February 18, 2022. Accessed February 18, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-and-salmonella-complaints-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022