NEWS
Parents should pay close attention when they use the powder mixture to feed their children. One of the most popular brands is recalled due to fears that it may contain dangerous bacteria.
The FDA has warned consumers to throw out certain brands, including certain batches of the popular Similac product.
The FDA website has a warning ” “Do not use revoked Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.”
It is thought to be linked to at least three severe bacterial infections and one death.
Baby formula is one of those items that seems to be scarce on store shelves, and now parents are told to throw away their powder mix if it is part of a batch that may be contaminated.
Dr Tom Schiller, a pediatrician with the Lee Physician Group, said: “They decided to take it off the shelves just to make sure it couldn’t harm the baby.”
Three cases concern Cronobacter sakazakiiand one includes salmonella Newport infection. Both are potentially devastating for young children. Symptoms may include fever, gastrointestinal stress, lethargy, and poor nutrition.
Schiller, “It develops very quickly, and the problems they can develop from this microbe are called sepsis and meningitis.”
The recall affects brands: Similac, Alimentum and EleCare.
Affected lots start with numbers 22 to 37 and contain k8, sh or z2.
All of these formulas come from the Abbott Labs facility. The bacterium was found during environmental testing, but not in the formula that was selected. Very low probability of disease.
“It can have a very bad effect on your child.” Schiller explained, “So that’s a very scary thought. So, on the good side, it’s an extremely rare problem that really happens. “
However, if in doubt, throw it away. Schiller says babies don’t usually have problems switching mixes.
It is important to check these labels CLICK HERE to read all recall information and numbers of affected parties.
Are homemade blends an alternative?
No. FDA advises parents and caregivers not to make or feed babies a homemade mixture. Homemade infant formulas have not been evaluated by the FDA and may not have the nutrients vital to a child’s growth.
What else do I need to know?
Parents and caregivers should also never dilute the infant formula. Consumers should also avoid buying formula online that comes from outside the US because it has the potential forgery.
If your regular formula is not available, consult your child’s doctor for advice on changing feeding methods.
When you get the baby formula WIC, do not throw away the formula. Instead, you should take it to the store for a return and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. Recipients of WIC should be able to obtain another brand of a similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more information.
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