Abbott Recalls Infant Formula In Canada Laced With Deadly Bacteria

Abbott is recalling certain Similac powdered infant formula products from the marketplace in Canada because of possible Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by a recall initiated in the US, Food Safety News (FSN) reported.

Photo Insert: Infants became ill between Sept. 6, 2021, and Dec. 2021 with one death being reported.

Abbott is recalling these products after four consumer complaints in the US related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport infections in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements.

Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating these four consumer complaints of infant illness related to the infant formula products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Missouri facility.

The US FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at the facility. Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples taken by FDA and adverse inspectional observations by FDA investigators.

A review of the firm’s internal records also indicates environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firm’s destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter.

As of the last update, four infant illnesses have been reported. Three are Cronobacter infections and one is a Salmonella infection. One death has been reported. Infants became ill between Sept. 6, 2021, and Dec. 2021. Sick people reside in Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

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