(24), Social media platforms are scrambling to remove or label these baby formula recipes. (83), In 2018, Chelsea Bellinger of Buckeye, Arizona, bought a possibly tampered formula. She saw that clumpy solids had formed at the bottom. and other formulas will be the next priority. Two of these baby deaths were among four confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infections that led to the Similac recall in February. (17), According to the government agency, the recalled Abbott products were accidentally sold due to an online error. (17). They are . (23). Although they havent confirmed how many units have been recalled, the formula recalls include. (4), FDA maximum limits in ppb or parts per billion for infant rice cereal: (5). However, the plants reopening will be subject to safety upgrades and certifications. Both children have short bowel syndrome and couldnt absorb full-size proteins. The company explained that even minor differences in the packaging can hide a safety or tampering issue. (76), So, she reported the issue to the store. The following products (all lot codes) were included in the recall: (68). The recall was issued after four infants from three different states (MN, OH, and TX) fell ill and were hospitalized after reportedly consuming the Similac powdered infant formula mentioned above. (75)(76), Upon checking the tub, they were surprised to discover that the contents looked and smelled more like flour than baby formula. Aside from these two children in Tennessee, at least three babies have been hospitalized in South Carolina because of intolerance after their parents or caregivers gave them other formulas due to the shortage. 4, 2022 at 9:18 PM PST. . (75), Still not realizing that something was wrong with the formula, Frydrych thought that her son was just full or having a stomachache. (31)(32), This move is significant because the governments WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) caters to as much as 50% of infant formula sales in the US. It could lead to a decrease in IQ and possible antisocial behavior in young children. Unfortunately, they were unable to tolerate the new formulas and suffered from dehydration. The recall worsened the formula shortage that was already affecting the US since 2021. 03518QU (manufacturing date March 2019; and expiration date March 2022) (73), Parents Choice Advantage Infant Formula Recall. Some of the bottles from the recalled lots might have bottle caps that werent sealed completely, resulting in possible spoilage. Inorganic Arsenic: Up to 90 ppb (ingredient: rice flour) Lead: Up to 48 ppb (ingredient: sweet potatoes) Cadmium: Over 5 ppb in carrots (in 75% of raw ingredients) Up to 87 ppb (ingredient: carrot batches) They loaded on one C-17 cargo plane and flew to Indianapolis. (69), The company also reportedly admitted to the FDA that they arent testing for the presence of, a potentially dangerous and deadly bacteria, especially for babies. Consult your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of stomach upset or other medical issues from drinking the recalled product. Its a shipment from the United Kingdom. or use the appliances you already have in your kitchen in preparing your babys food. TN WIC Temporary Formula Substitutions- Abbott Recall 2022 *Temporary Formula Substitutions will expire March 31, 2022 Current Formula: Substitutions: UPC: Similac Advance Enfamil infant 12.5 oz powder 300871365421 Gerber GoodStart Gentle 12.7 oz powder 050000216673 Gerber GoodStart Gentle Pro infant 20 oz 050000265879 Parent's Choice Advantage . (2)(4), The recall advisory advises parents to check the packaging of their powdered formulas for the following codes included in this recall: (4). Abbott announced that they reopened on July 1, 2022 and would restart EleCare production followed by specialty and metabolic formulas. New packaging, same great formula. The FDA announced that Healthy Beauty Angel Formula failed to meet their criteria: FDA deputy commissioner Frank Yiannas of the Office of Food Policy and Response announces his resignation, effective February 24, after being criticized in an independent review for the way his office handled the formula shortage crisis. Theyre no longer sourcing material from the affected supplier as of press time. (82), The company conducted an internal review and later declared it an isolated incident. Abbott clarifies that distributed products in the recent recalls (Similac PM 60/40 and the previously recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas) all tested negative for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. This location was chosen because a Nestle distribution center is located just a mile away. Amid the formula shortage following issues hounding suppliers earlier this year, including the massive Similac recall, many parents continue to face difficulties in finding products for their little ones. So, Biden also launched Operation Fly Formula to get stocks from overseas. The House recently passed two bills to address the shortage: One bill grants the USDA (Department of Agriculture) secretary the permanent flexibility to issue waivers in supply disruptions so that WIC participants can buy any formula from available suppliers. There might be a need to evaluate how formulas are made. (1)(2), Whats alarming is that as much as 95% of baby food products from some of the most popular brands in the U.S. contain significant levels of mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. (4), in ingredients from rice flour (67 batches), The company doesnt test the other raw materials or ingredients for this, , only Nurture regularly tests ingredients, arent used as a basis for product release. In various parts of the US, several babies, including some older children, have been hospitalized due to the formula shortage. (28). (69), In March 2021, Nestle UK recalled SMA Wysoy Infant Formula (28.22 oz) for possible contamination with blue plastic pieces. (4), In response to the investigation, the company wrote to Subcommittee Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi that heavy metal testing is only done for its internal monitoring program under the company policy. These formulas are expected to hit market shelves by June 20. Although he admitted to reading the complaint, he didnt specify when or what steps he or the other officials took to immediately address the issue. Although Pelosi didnt specify the details of the possible criminal charges, she clarified that her remarks arent associated with her colleagues. (4). Saturday, February 19, 2022. Use. (3). (72), Only the batch with lot number 79696K80 was affected. Its also manufactured in the companys facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The recalls worsened the, So, which products were affected by the formula recalls, and why were they recalled? She got an Enfamil AR formula from a Walmart location in Arizona. (85), Gerber didnt issue a recall because it was considered an isolated incident. (1), The recall advisory explains that Cronobacter sakazakii can lead to the following potentially life-threatening conditions: (1), Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis can include: (1), Affected products have the following information printed on the bottom: (1), These affected Enfamil ProSobee formulas were manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. (16), The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) warned consumers in Canada who bought a formula item from Shoppers Drug Mart to check if their products were part of the February 2022 Similac recall. (49). If its part of the recall, immediately stop giving it to your child. (42), After learning about this, the Senate Finance Committee announced that theyre going to investigate Abbotts investments and the reported stock buyback program. (81), After their respective investigations, Mead Johnson and CVS declared it an isolated incident. The rest of the baby food manufacturers mentioned in the report didnt issue a recall as well. This sheds a little more light on what went wrong, but we still dont have all the answers. (101), Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookies Gable Box was recalled on May 20, 2021, for undeclared egg content (allergen). But they are important sources of vitamin A and other nutrients. There hasnt been any recall on Enfamil baby formula in 2021. Cronobacter infections can be deadly, especially to newborn babies. (7), The company can be held liable if its proven that they played a big role in the shortage, depending on the Justice Departments investigation. Formula Type. Many of them believed that the FDA doesnt need more staff. The specialty formulas are being prioritized because theyre needed by children with cows milk protein allergies who cant just use regular formulas. However, she explained that the indictment can wait until the nationwide baby formula shortage is resolved. Expert-recommended DHA to support brain & eye development. Enfamil Gentlease in 2006 for metal contaminants (96), Enfamil EnfaCare LIPIL in 2004 for Enterobacter sakazakii contamination (97), Enfamil Nutramigen in 2001 for potentially dangerous label errors (98)(99), Parents Choice Rice Baby Cereal was recalled on October 8, 2021, for having inorganic arsenic content higher than the government standards. (28), With Abbotts plant still closed, the newly ramped up formula production plans arent expected to quickly solve the shortage. EleCare production will resume after re-sanitization and the FDAs approval to resume production. (75), In response, Enfamil assured customers that theyre confident about the safety of their products because of their long history of quality. To date, only the following Gerber products have been recalled: Back in 2017, Gerber Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups were recalled, but not because of heavy metals. This came after the FDA announced that formula companies are given temporary flexibility for importing infant formulas to help address the shortage. (29), Formula makers like Nestle were quick to respond. (75), She prepared a new batch of formula the following morning, but her husband noticed that the contents immediately separated when they prepared a fresh bottle. (26), WARNING: Childrens Wisconsin warns that giving your baby homemade formula can lead to liver and/or kidney damage. Once production starts again, however, it could take at least 6-8 weeks before these baby formula products will be available for distribution. (42). (63). (8), Recently, Enfamil maker Reckitt Benckiser forecasted that the crisis will persist until spring despite the company ramping up products and operating its formula factories 24/7. (25)(26). The law will also direct the FDA to adopt and implement stricter limits for baby foods. (34). (30), To speed this up, the FDA added that its updating the review process so that more foreign manufacturers will ship their products to the US. However, from January to May 2022, Danone has more than tripled its imports through its Nutricia North America. (Washington, DC) Today, DC Health is advising parents and caregivers of infants to not use infant formula that has been recalled by the FDA for possible bacterial contamination. Formula. It sold all the tested items, whether they passed or failed. (96), Injury symptoms are likely to show up within four hours and can include the following: (96), According to Mead Johnson, around 41,464 cans (lot number BMJ19) have been distributed to retail stores across the US since December 16, 2005. (4). These products shouldnt have been sold to consumers at all. Gerber Good Start Soy 8.1 oz . The Biden administration had previously announced that they will import formulas as one of the measures to help ease the US shortage. (99). You can buy a baby food maker set such as the Baby Brezza Small Baby Food Maker Set Cooker and Blender in One or use the appliances you already have in your kitchen in preparing your babys food. (57). Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant Based - 20.9 oz . But it poses no serious health risk of food poisoning. (54). However, Bronson Methodist Hospital pediatrician Dr. Megan Sikkema warns parents against following the AAPs new recommendation. (45), The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) warns desperate parents against paying hefty prices for formulas through fraudulent online stores, explaining that scammers are taking advantage of the situation. (64)(65). The following results are based on data from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report, instead: (3), Walmart didnt submit any test results to the Subcommittee. (97), Necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe intestinal infection), In 2001, Mead Johnson Nutritionals recalled Enfamil Nutramigen ready-to-use liquid and powder formulas due to incorrect preparation instructions in Spanish. Food safety advocates are furious over how the FDA and Abbott addressed these safety issues. (26), Some of the children suffered malnutrition due to homemade formula and other inappropriate substitutions. Only one batch (lot code C26EVFV with a use by date of February 26, 2021) was affected. Various government agencies were told to use the Department of Defense military planes to get formula overseas and fly these to the US. (1), For questions, assistance in verifying your products, or other questions, you contact Reckitt through the following channels: (1), Thankfully, no illnesses, injuries, or adverse reactions relating to this ProSobee recall have been reported. They also revealed that Cronobacter was found in the following samples: (87), Because the sealed, unopened formulas from the manufacturer tested negative for the deadly pathogen, the agencies couldnt determine how the contamination occurred. Only the raw materials are tested. He explained that these kids were otherwise healthy and could have stayed at home, but they had to be hospitalized just to get nourishment. (78), Dumex Mamil Gold (Step 1) Infant Milk Formula (Singapore) Recall, In August 2018, Dumex recalled this formula (30 oz) over possible contamination with, It affected batch number 09117R1 (expiry date 11-9-2019). Gerber Products Company Gerber only conducts heavy metal tests in raw materials, not finished products. (35), Before the recall and formula shortage, 90% of the US formula market is dominated by just four players: (35), Not surprisingly, these four companies also dominate the federal contracts for the WIC program intended for low-income families. Recent findings in inspections conducted from January 31 to March 18, 2022, showed that the same safety concerns as the September 2021 report were observed inside the factory. Menu. (4). (58). So, the store announced a secondary recall of these recalled infant formulas. Aside from Similac PM 60/40, these metabolic products will also be released: (59), These metabolic nutrition formulas will be released for free to patients but in coordination with healthcare professionals on a case-by-case basis. * Probiotic found in Gerber Good Start Gentle and Gentle Pro powder formula only. (59). So, the program didnt hurt the products safety, the spokesperson added. The FDA is advising that people should avoid using Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formulas if the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; the code on the container contains. (85), Police arrested Jennifer LaPlante over the incident. (43), While the nationwide out-of-stock rate was around 40% in April 2022, it soared to 50% in the following states: (44), Sometime in May, Nevada announced that its also experiencing a decrease of at least 50% of the states baby formula supply. can also have high levels of lead and cadmium. Abbott Nutrition clarifies that this recall only affects certain products and specific bottle lots or case/carton numbers. In June 2021, Designed by Nature baby formula products (base formula, cow milk, and goat milk) were recalled for possible health and safety risks due to incorrect labels. (3), and the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) call for the passing of the. (103), Formulas are recalled if they dont meet the FDAs standards. Its only the investigation thats closed. Initial investigations indicated that Cronobacter sakazakii, a deadly bacteria caused it. (10)(11), (1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570911/, (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418502/, (3) http://www.healthybabyfood.org/sites/healthybabyfoods.org/files/2019-10/BabyFoodReport_FULLREPORT_ENGLISH_R5b.pdf, (4) https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-04%20ECP%20Baby%20Food%20Staff%20Report.pdf, (5) https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements, (6) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/beech-nutbaby-food-recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/, (7) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gerber-issues-allergy-alert-clarify-egg-labeling-cheese-ravioli-pasta-pick-upsr, (8) http://news.gerber.com/news/gerber-is-voluntarily-recalling-two-batches-of-gerberR-organic-2nd-foodsR-pouches, (9) https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-31/after-baby-formula-scandal-fda-announces-new-unit-focused-on-food-safety, (10) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/health/fda-lead-baby-food.html, (11) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-food/fda-proposes-new-limits-for-lead-in-baby-foods-a2167994237/, Motherhood Community is reader supported. A review of the firms internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firms destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter. However, the recall is still in effect. Sweet potatoes and carrots can also have high levels of lead and cadmium. mentioned in the report didnt issue a recall as well. this list to find the formula on your WIC benefits. Instead of worrying about food recalls, preparing fresh and, Baby Brezza Small Baby Food Maker Set Cooker and Blender in One. Did you know that exposure to toxic heavy metals can significantly affect your babys brain development? (38), It was filed at the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan, with Abbott needing to follow these steps: (38)(39), The consent decree also requires Abbott to immediately stop production and notify the FDA of any kind of contamination experienced at the plant. To assure worried customers, Abbott Nutrition explained that they had improved their systems and protocols at the Sturgis facility. The case is still under investigation, with authorities trying to determine the cause of the infants Cronobacter sakazakii infection. These European formulas can help ease the formula shortage for many desperate parents. (3), In tests commissioned by HBBF (Healthy Babies Bright Futures), toxic heavy metals were found in 95% of the 168 commercial baby foods tested. They added that the former employee made a false report and submitted it to multiple authorities after his dismissal. (27), The bill also requires all baby formula manufacturers to make a contingency plan to protect against supply disruptions during recalls or other significant events to prevent a similar shortage from happening again. (37), Abbott needs to comply with a legally binding consent decree signed off by a federal judge between the company and the FDA. It isnt ideal for premature babies or those with metabolic and digestive issues. Overview Searching for a milk formula for your little one, but unsure which one to pick? Abbott Nutrition announced that production could restart in about two weeks (or by the end of May), subject to FDA approval. (75)(76), She immediately reported the matter to Publix, where she purchased the formula. (2). Many of these European formulas arent approved by the FDA, but many parents still prefer them over US brands. Continue reading to learn more. But be sure to always seek your pediatricians advice before starting or switching formulas, especially if theyve been recalled. (2) According to its groups chief economist, Rakeen Mabud, Abbott chose to prioritize its shareholders instead of consumers. (7), Previous FDA (Food and Drug Administration) investigations reportedly discovered several lapses and violations, including bacterial contamination and lax safety protocols at Abbotts manufacturing facility. Falsified records about several safety and quality concerns: signing verifications without adequate knowledge, shipping products with actual weights lower than the label, tampering with maintenance records (such as time code removal), etc. (29), The White House released these measures that the Biden administration plans to follow for an increase in the number of formula products in the market, but without compromising babies safety: (29), Amid the formula shortage, some unscrupulous retailers or individuals bought dozens of formulas from legitimate suppliers but marked them up to several times the actual price for online retail to desperate parents. She explained that the second formula looked slightly yellowish, was harder to pack, and looked a little more grainy. (35), Califf reportedly sidestepped the lawmakers questions by replying that he couldnt share details of the FDAs ongoing investigation. All these had tested negative for the bacteria. The following are some healthy alternatives to the unsafe products in the report: Instead of worrying about food recalls, preparing fresh and organic baby foods at home might be a good idea. On December 11, 2022, baby nutrition company ByHeart voluntarily recalled their Whole Nutrition Infant Formula (five batches) due to possible cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. The FTC recommends doing the following to avoid getting scammed: (46), This can be tricky because the FDA has specific nutritional standards that differ from those followed by other places, including Canada and the European Union. and other pathogensin their manufacturing facilities before these are released for public consumption.