Recall Expanded For Powdered Baby Formula

PROVIDENCE, RI — More powdered baby formula has been added to a nationwide recall, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced Wednesday. An additional lot of Similac powdered formula could be contaminated with Cronobacter, which can cause serious illness in infants.

A baby died after consuming certain Similac formula. The infant, not a Rhode Island resident, tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, the department said, though the exact cause of the infection has not been determined.

The recall was expanded to include Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula with the lot number 27032K80 on the can and 27032K800 on the case. The products were manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.

None of the distributed formula tested positive for the bacteria, the department said. All baby formula must be tested for Cronobacter and other dangerous pathogens at the manufacturing facility before it is released.

The Department of Health first announced the recall in February. At the time, it included Similac Alimentum and EleCare powdered formula that met all the following criteria:

• 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

While other Similac products are not included in the recall, temporary replacements are available for recipients of supplemental assistance for Women, Infants and Children. A full list of approved substitutions is available online.

Cronobacter bacteria infections can lead to sepsis or meningitis, symptoms of which can include poor feeding, irritability, changes in temperature, yellowing of the skin and eyes, grunting breaths or abnormal movements. Reach out to your child's health care provider if he or she develops any of these symptoms.