Some Similac-brand formulas recalled

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 24, 2010

Parents using certain Similac-brand powdered formulas to feed their baby should take note: a voluntary recall has been initiated after an internal review detected the possibility of bug contamination in certain batches.

The Abbott-owned company said there is a remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility.

The recall of these powder infant formulas includes:

• Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.

• Certain Similac powder product lines offered in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.

To immediately find out if the product in your possession is included in this recall, parents and caregivers should visit www.similac.com/recall/lookup, and type in their lot number to determine if their product is affected, or call (800) 986-8850.

No Abbott liquid infant formulas are impacted. Products not involved in the recall include all Abbott Nutrition liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated infant formulas and all powder and liquid specialty formulas, such as Similac Expert Care™ Alimentum®, Elecare ®, Similac Expert Care™ Neosure ®, Similac® Human Milk Fortifier and metabolic formulas for inherited disorders.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.