On 17 February 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) released an advisory with the subject, “FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Certain Powdered Infant Formula Produced in Abbott Nutrition’s Facility in Sturgis, Michigan”1. This refers to the infant formula brands Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare with the following lot codes which were implicated in consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections :
- 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
The FDA Philippines conducted immediate verification and coordination with the Philippine counterpart and the local Market Authorization Holder of the Similac Brand of infant formula products, Abbott Laboratories. Relative thereto, the public is hereby informed that the affected lots produced Sturgis, Michigan, United States WERE NOT IMPORTED and OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE PHILIPPINE MARKET.
Consumers are further advised to be vigilant and cautious in buying infant formula products with similar brands over online websites from suspicious foreign sources. For reports, inquiries or clarifications, please do not hesitate to communicate with the FDA Center for Food Regulation and Research – Food Safety Unit via (02) 8 857 – 1900 local 8105 or email us at [email protected].
Rest assured that the FDA Philippines is closely monitoring the on-going US Recall and will issue corresponding advisories for any updates and/or information of public health concern.
Dissemination of the above information to all concerned is requested.