The recent shortage and recall of infant formula may be causing stress for many of you. We know that as a parent, nothing is more important than your children’s health and safety. We know that finding certain infant formulas continues to be a challenge. CLC would like to share a few resources and reminders for safely feeding our infants.
Some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your infant’s formula include:
- Do not feed your baby cow’s milkor other non-dairy milks until 1 year old, unless you’ve talked to your child’s pediatrician.
- Don’t make homemade infant formula or water down formula; there are serious health and safety
- Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the U.S., which could be counterfeit, have a fake label, or a wrong use-by date. If you buy formula online, purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies. Do not buy formula from overseas as these formulas are not FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) reviewed.
- Prepare and store infant formulaaccording to the manufacturer’s instructions; do not water down
- It is unsafe to over dilute (add more water) formula, make homemade infant formula, or use regular cow’s milk, or other milk substitutes to feed infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding infants iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life when breastmilk is unavailable.
- Properly clean, sanitize and store infant feeding items.
- Always wash your handswhen handling formula and feeding items.
- Check social media groups that are dedicated to infant feeding and formula. Members may have ideas on where to find formula. Always check with your pediatrician regarding any advice provided in social media groups.
Abbott has issued a recall for Similac powder formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. These formulas may be contaminated with Cronobacter Sakazakii.
The following Abbott formulas are all produced in Sturgis, MI and are affected by the recall:
- 6 oz. Total Comfort powder
- 5 oz. Similac for Spit Up powder
- All Elecare powder Infant and Jr.
- All Alimentum powder
- Similac PM 60/40 lot # 27032K80 (can) /27032K800 (case)*
The following Abbott formulas are produced in Sturgis, MI as well as other plants and are partially affected by the recall:
- 5 oz. Similac Sensitive powder
- 4 oz. Similac Advance powder
What to do if you have a recalled item:
- Visit similacrecall.comor call 1-800-986-8540 to find out if your formula is included. On the website, go to Check Lot Number to see if your product is affected by this recall.
- DO NOT feed your baby formula if it is included in this recall. Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis. 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. For additional information, please view the FDA Announcementand the Abbott press release. If your baby is experiencing any symptoms listed above, contact your Health Care Provider immediately and keep your opened or unopened cans of recalled formula in a safe place as they may need to be tested.
- If you have recalled cans of formula, regardless of type, you should bring the recalled cans to the store where they were purchased and ask for an exchange for a comparable product.
(Above is a message from CLC’s Nutrition Team)
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood has created an infant formula fact sheet to:
- Offer tips on finding formula in stores and online
- Help you contact organizations that may have a supply
- Provide other guidance that may help
The American Academy of Pediatrics is providing information about what to do if you are unable to find formula. Learn more here.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s WIC Program is also continuing to support families. Learn more here.