Infant Formula Recall Expanded: 2 Deaths, More Illnesses Reported

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Health is warning new parents to check their baby formula, to make sure it's not part of a nationwide recall of Abbott Nutrition products that have sickened a handful of infants and caused at least two deaths. None of the sicknesses have been reported in Washington, but thousands of Washington families may be impacted by the recall.

In mid-February, Abbott Nutrition recalled batches of its Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare brand formulas after discovering the powdered formula may have been contaminated. According to the DOH, the bacteria infection was discovered after several infants contracted illnesses related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella bacteria contamination. At least four infants have been hospitalized, and two have died.

After sounding the alarm last month, the DOH on Wednesday announced the recall had been massively expanded, and may include the more than to 18,000 Washington families who receive formula through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

The recalled formula includes:

• Similac PM 60/40. Cans will have a lot code 27032K80. Cases will have the lot code 27032K800.
• Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula products that have all three of the following conditions:
  • The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37.
  • The container contains “K8,” “SH,” or “Z2."
  • The use-by date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Product lot codes can be found at the bottom of the packaging. If you cannot find the code on the powdered formula package, do not use it, the department of health warns.

If your baby formula matches the products included in the recall, health care providers say to immediately stop feeding it to your baby, and return it to the store for a refund. Families who receive support from the WIC program are advised to reach out for additional help.

"Washington WIC is working hard to provide formula alternatives for families but cannot guarantee alternatives will be available in every store, so please call the store ahead of time to ensure the formula you need is available," the DOH said. "WIC families can also reach out to WIC clinics and check the WIC shopping app for updates. Additionally, if you are feeding your baby both breastmilk and formula and want to do more breastfeeding, WIC has trained staff available to help."

Parents who are not on WIC are advised to reach out to their personal health care provider if they have questions or need additional support.

The initial symptoms of a cronobacter infection in infants include a fever accompanied by poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy, the DOH said. Some infants may also have seizures. If your child is exhibiting symptoms or consumed the contaminated formula, the DOH says to contact a health care provider immediately.

Parents with questions or concersn can learn more on Abbott Nutrition’s website or by calling 1-800-986-8540.