Similac baby formula recalled after infant illnesses abroad

South Africans have been advised to stop using Similac baby formula after infants who consumed a baby formula presented symptoms of cronobacter and salmonella.

The manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories-Nutrition, informed the National Consumer Commission of the contamination of Similac Alimentum 400G formula.

The product was made at the company’s plant in Michigan in the US, and exported to SA and other countries.

Consumers have been advised to “immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund”.

“The manufacturer informed the commission of a voluntary recall after a global recall announced by the supplier. The supplier confirmed the recall was prompted by consumers who reported their infants presented symptoms after ingesting the formula,” said acting commissioner Thezi Mabuza.

The commission said that though there were, according to Abbott, only four cases reported in the US, the presence of cronobacter and salmonella was a cause for concern.

“We want to emphasise that while no cases have been reported in SA, we urge consumers who might have bought this product not to feed their infants but to immediately return it to the point of purchase for a full refund,” said Mabuza.

Below are the details of the product affected:

• Similac Alimentum 400g Infant Formula, batch numbers 27938z26 and 29284Z26, manufactured in March 2021 and May 2021, with expiry dates April 1 2023 and June 1 2023.

“Ingesting salmonella may lead to diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps, while cronobacter infection may also cause damage to the bowel system. We encourage parents who have concerns that they might have fed their infants the product to seek medical attention.

“The Consumer Protection Act) provides for safety of consumers at all times, and minors are regarded among the most vulnerable consumers. We appreciate the precautionary recall by the supplier, however producers/manufacturers are required to supply or distribute goods that are safe and of good quality to avoid these mishaps. The  commission is monitoring the recall based on its recall guidelines,” said Mabuza.

Abbott said it immediately conducted an investigation that found Cronobacter Sakazakii was detected in the plant in non-product contact areas. Salmonella Newport was not detected anywhere in the plant. No distributed product has tested positive for either bacteria, and all finished products must test negative for these and other pathogens before they are released.

“Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter Sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter Sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport.," the company said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Abbott's comment, and to amend a statement that the pathogens had been found in the formula.

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