2nd Baby Dies: Recall Expanded For Similac, Other Baby Formula

ACROSS AMERICA — The maker of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare has expanded its recall of baby formula produced at a Michigan factory and after a second infant died of an illness due to a Cronobacter sakazakii, a dangerous germ that is often deadly to young infants, especially in the first days or weeks of life.

The recalled products were shipped nationwide.

At least four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One salmonella newport infection has also been been linked to the formula. All five infants were hospitalized.

"We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family," Abbott Nutrition said in a statement released after the announcement of the second infant's death. "We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust."

The company said it is continuing its investigation, "and at this time the cause of the infants’ infections have not been determined."

"All infant formula products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released," the company said. "In addition, retained samples related to the complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella tested negative for Salmonella."

The cases under investigation are in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. Health officials have not said in which states the infants who died lived.

Consumers who have the recalled baby formula powder produced at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michgan, plant shouldn’t use them. They should check the seven- to nine-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package to see if the formula on hand is included in the recall. It is if:

• The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37,
• The code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott Nutrition has also recalled Similac PM 60/40 with lot codes 27032K80 (can) and 27032K800 (case), which were produced at the same Sturgis, Michigan, plant as the other recalled baby formulas.

• Related: Similac Maker Recalls Formula After 1 Baby Dies

Similac PM, a “specialty formula for certain infants who would benefit from lowered mineral intake," was not included in the previous recall.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening sepsis or meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spine. Symptoms of both include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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

Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, and more-severe cases may include such symptoms as a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, and blood in the urine or stool. In some cases, salmonella illnesses can be fatal.