Following reports of a baby dying inUSA and three other babies hospitalized in Texas, Ohio and Minnesota, Abbott Israel is recalling two Similac products. The company collects from the shelves the baby powder Alimentum and the Human Milk Fortifier powder, both made in Sturgis, Michigan.
The Ministry of Health updated today (Sunday) on the call for the return of Abbott’s products, stating that these are special food compounds for babies that are only sold by pharmacists, and are intended for special medical conditions, so these are not common off-the-shelf products.
The recall in the U.S. began as early as Thursday, when the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) announced it was investigating consumer complaints about the infections. The infection of the third baby hospitalized was due to salmonella.
Abbott stated that these are only about 700 packages across the country, and that “as a precaution, and in coordination with the Ministry of Health’s national food service, Abbott voluntarily collects only two powdered products, Alimentum and Human Milk Fortifier, which can be used for recommendation and supervision. Of a physician and / or dietitian.
“These products are manufactured at the Sturgis plant in Michigan, USA. This move follows four individual complaints received from consumers in the US who consumed a powdered formula produced at this plant and related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport. .
“Abbott conducts comprehensive quality tests on all batches of baby food compounds, including microbiology tests before release for marketing. All products marketed were negative for the presence of Chronbacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in tests conducted by the manufacturer before release from the factory. According to the requirements of the legislation and were found negative for the inventions of the bacteria upon their arrival on the market.
“During inspections at the U.S. manufacturing plant, evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii was found in areas not in contact with the product and no evidence of Salmonella Newport was found. This investigation is ongoing.
“Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium that in some rare cases can cause disease in infants and adults. The bacterium is found naturally in the environment, including soil, water, food, as well as on indoor surfaces, including food preparation surfaces. The bacterium can cause fever, poor nutrition, excessive crying. , Low energy levels and other serious symptoms.It is important to follow the preparation instructions on the packaging of the formula to ensure proper preparation, use and storage of the formula.
“The marketing of the relevant products has been stopped. Abbott will contact pharmacies and hospitals to collect the products. The products that will be collected are until the end of use on September 11, 2023.”