FDA is investigating Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints in powdered infant formula manufactured by Abbott in Sturgis MI

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners investigated four consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility received from 9/6/2021 to 12/18/2021. All cases are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula (IF) produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. These complaints include three reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one report of Salmonella Newport infection in infants. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. FDA found several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples. As a result, Abbott (NYSE: ABT) initiated a voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. During testing in the facility, the company found Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. The recalled products have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, containing K8, SH, or Z2, and an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. A total of 4 adverse events (3 Cronobacter, 1 Salmonella)I MN (1), OH (1), TX (2). All affected infants were hospitalized. One death has been reported but has not been confirmed as solely attributable to Cronobacter infection. Products made at the Sturgis facility were distributed across the United States and were likely exported to other countries. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbott-voluntarily-recalls-powder-formulas-manufactured-one-plant?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery