NEK Moms Watch: Similac Formula Recall

Yikes, bugs galore!  Moms, take note of this recall.

Abbott, the maker of Similac infant formulas, has issued a voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries.  The recall of up to 5 million containers of formula follows the detection of the “possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility.”

The recall involves:

• Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.
• Certain Similac powder product lines offered in sizes such as 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.

According to The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “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.”

To learn more about the recall or to find out if your baby’s formula is affected by the recall, call Abbott’s 24-hr hotline (800) 986-8850, visit the Similac website (www.similac.com/recall) or click over to the FDA here.

***Note:  Added 9.25.10 – It’s estimated that the recall may affect as many as 1,700 Vermont families.