The following results also come from the. In January 2023, in response to public clamor, the FDA announced that they're proposing limits on lead in baby food. (90)(91), Liquid formulas werent included in this recall. Click here to locate the closest Feeding America food bank near you. (55), President Biden asked the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to crack down on these illegal sellers and use all its available tools for identifying, investigating, and monitoring these people for predatory conduct, unfair market practices, and price gouging. 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. (30), As promised by Biden and Nestle, Operation Fly Formula was able to bring the first batch of formulas (78,000 lbs) to supply specialty infant formula. (103), Formulas are recalled if they dont meet the FDAs standards. (52), Bloomberg was able to get several YouTube and TikTok videos or posts removed. Here are some baby formulas for you to try (US brands), with your doctors approval: You can also consider the following European formulas, which could be the best organic options for your baby: IMPORTANT: Please consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician before switching to any of these formulas. In August 2021, Able Groupe recalled several products from HiPP, , Kendamil, and Bioland (Lebenswert) imported from Europe and sold by the Little Bundle website. Continue reading to learn more. Although they havent confirmed how many units have been recalled, the formula recalls include Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare (first recall), and Similac PM 60/40 (second recall). . (90), The voluntary recall included as many as 5 million Similac powder infant formula units sold in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, and some Caribbean countries. On December 11, 2022, formula manufacturer ByHeart voluntarily recalled five batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula due to a concern of potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria sometimes found in dry foods that can cause life-threatening infections and meningitis. (10), The federal agency announced that it will issue further guidance about this in September, and detail how these companies could meet requirements to continue supplying infant formulas beyond the original end date of mid-November. (99), Affected products include 3.7 million cans of powder formula (16-oz) with the following lot codes: (98), The recall also affected 930,000 cans of the ready-to-use version (32-oz) with these lot codes: (98), In some places, the retailer stores were allowed to continue selling the formula. Consumer Reports and the AAP (American Academy for Pediatrics) call for further changes: (4). 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. (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. (70), Kirkland Signature Brand by Costco, Non-GMO Formula For Babies Sensitive To Lactose (Canada) Recall, In October 2019, Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. recalled this formula for possible, (2-pack, 2 x 1.36 kg) EXP 2020 NO 05 T05DVBV, In September 2019, Abbott Laboratories recalled Calcilo XD powder cans (13.2oz) over inconsistencies in the aroma or color. It might even cause an imbalance in their body that could cause their heart to stop. (75), Frydrych called out Enfamil to change their packaging to avoid similar incidents in the future. (18), Although none of the DNA sequences in the FDA investigations matched the companys products, all these babies were fed Abbott powdered formula: (18), On June 4, 2022, Abbott Nutrition finally restarted its facility in Sturgis, Michigan, which was the center of the massive Similac recall announced back in February. But they were told to put the correct preparation instructions on the packaging for customers to see. They remind parents and caregivers to follow the instructions on the packaging for proper handling, preparation, and storage of all powder formulas to avoid any contamination. (2). The massive Similac recall disrupted the market supply. It was done following the death of another infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. (32), The bill was passed in the House with a large bipartisan majority vote. The FDA also clarified that it hasnt received pre-market notifications from the company. 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. (3), The contaminated product only affects Nutricia KetoCal 3:1 with batch number 101101598 and best before date of 8 July 2023. (3). But more are expected to arrive soon. With Abbotts Sturgis plant still closed, US officials scramble to bring more formulas from facilities across the world whose products meet US standards. Many were at dangerous levels, higher than the limits set by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). (37), Abbott needs to comply with a legally binding consent decree signed off by a federal judge between the company and the FDA. 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. the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later. Thats why its important to monitor any safety alerts or recalls on infant formula products. Ive released a new report on toxic metals in baby food, including popular brands such as Gerbers Infant Rice Cereal products containing dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic. (2), It contained much higher iron, potassium, and sodium content than the maximum limits. ** Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a group of prebiotics found in human milk, and 2'-FL is the most abundant found in breastmilk. Many of them are also calling for the FDA to be held accountable for their possible lapses, which could have led to the Abbott plant closure and subsequent baby formula shortage. No. (first recall), and Similac PM 60/40 (second recall). (83), They also assured customers that their products are safe, and welcome calls to their hotline (1-800-BABY123) from anyone who believes their formula might have been tampered with. Feb. 18, 2022, 4:54 PM UTC / Updated Feb. 21, 2022, 8:57 PM . (39), The company is also tasked to change these: (38), Many people have blamed the formula shortage on Abbott because of the massive recall of its products, including Similac Elecare, and Alimentum products in February 2022. All codes of The FDA allows a maximum level of 5 ppb cadmium in bottled water. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The infections stem from infant powdered formulas that were made at Abbott Nutrition . (82), She thought that her husband didnt shake these bottles properly while preparing them. This recall doesnt include Abbott liquid formulas, any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas, or other nutrition products made and sold by the company. (68), These recalled European formulas have iron content that meets the FDA standards: (68). Only one batch (lot code C26EVFV with a use by date of February 26, 2021) was affected. 03518QU (manufacturing date March 2019; and expiration date March 2022) (73), Parents Choice Advantage Infant Formula Recall. There have been several formula and baby food recalls in 2022 and in past years. (94), In February 2003, Mead Johnson recalled EnfaCare LIPIL for possible. (87), A 10-day-old infant in Missouri, Avery Cornett, reportedly died after drinking Enfamil Premium Newborn (lot number ZP1K7G). After the EleCare recall, however, these kids had to try other formula options. They relied on EleCare, a specialty formula, for nourishment because it was made of amino acids, which are building blocks of proteins. Its only the investigation thats closed. (5), FDA Official Announces Resignation Over Formula Shortage, Justice Department Puts Abbott Under Criminal Investigation Over Formula Shortage, Enfamil Maker Reckitt Benckiser Expects Shortage To Last Until Spring, Abbott Plant Finally Reopens After Flooding, FDA To Allow Overseas Formulas Beyond Shortage, FDA Probes Another Abbott Formula-related Infant Death, US To Import 16 Million 8-oz Baby Formula Bottles From Mexico, Newly Reopened Abbott Plant Closes Again Due To Flooding, More Formulas Arrive From Across The World, Recalled Baby Formula Products Accidentally Sold In Canada, The expiration date code starts from 4-1-2022 (APR 2022), The first two digits are a number from 22 to 37, Nine Formula-related Baby Deaths Reported To FDA During Abbott Investigation, The FDA reportedly received a total of nine reports of formula-related baby deaths from December 1, 2021 to March 3, 2022. Both products serve a critical medical purpose because theyre especially formulated for babies with cows milk protein allergies. (Read our Similac recall article for the list of affected lots). Still, a viral post showing screen grabs of news reports about the Ukraine relief and the formula shortage made people hate Cadden and her group. * Probiotic found in Gerber Good Start Gentle and Gentle Pro powder formula only. mentioned in the report didnt issue a recall as well. He explained that the bacteria found at their plant didnt match those found in the affected babies samples, but they issued the voluntary recall to reduce the risks to childrens lives and health. Yet, the actual results are still several times higher than the, content. Gerber didn't issue a baby food recall in 2021. Formula 19 items. (29), Some formulas normally sold for $43 to $47 are offered on eBay and other online sites for as high as $800. However, the baby formula shortage started in 2021 due to supply chain issues and was worsened by the recent Similac recalls. Abbott and the FDA really need to do more work to get to the bottom of what happened so we can prevent the next outbreak. (2), According to the recall advisory, your baby can experience diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal symptoms if they are fed with these spoiled products. (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. The doctors have to make sure that the new formula can meet their nutritional needs while also ensuring it doesnt trigger a potentially dangerous reaction, such as dehydration or diarrhea. Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups were recalled, but not because of, Undeclared egg components (allergens) on the product label. The second flight is expected to arrive in the coming days. Released untested infant formula (after discarding contaminated samples), Lax practices in terms of keeping the place clean, Failed to take any corrective measures after learning that their testing procedures were deficient, An atmosphere of retaliation against employees raising concerns about unsafe company practices, Foster a culture of compliance to ensure they produce the highest quality baby formulas, Empower workers to identify and report issues that could compromise their products safety and quality, FDA Finds Safety Issues At Abbott Plant Involved In Formula Recalls, Failure to establish a process control system covering all the processing stages to ensure that the products dont become contaminated due to the presence of, bacteria and other microorganisms in the formula ingredients or its processing environment (66), Failure to maintain the sanitary conditions and cleanliness of surfaces that come in contact with the baby formula products, Plant history of eight instances of contamination (with, bacteria) from fall 2019 to February 2022, Unsanitary conditions (including leaking pipes, water on the floor, and dirt or other health hazards in some production areas), Some employees failed to properly sanitize their hands upon entering the production area, Debris (such as duct tape) and dirt in the floors of the production area, Several workers failed to properly sanitize their shoes upon entering the production area. As of April 2022, Gerber has failed to issue a baby food recall over heavy metals in food. Many Feeding America network food banks provide free baby food, formula, and non-food staples such as diapers, toilet paper, and more. (59), The office of House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro received a 34-page report from a whistleblower who used to work at the Abbott Nutrition facility that produced the recalled Similac formulas in February 2022. (81), Enfamil didnt recall the formula. However, from January to May 2022, Danone has more than tripled its imports through its Nutricia North America. Parent's Choice . The company has informed the FDA of the new setback and announced that production will likely be delayed for a few weeks. (11), The baby reportedly consumed infant formula made by Abbott Nutrition. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can include the following: (4). However, the company hasnt issued a recall of its products. (73), It only affected batch no. The company explained that even minor differences in the packaging can hide a safety or tampering issue. But did the new report lead to a recall of the affected Gerber baby foods? (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. Gerber Products Company was among the baby food manufacturers listed in the report. (31), Customs data from ocean cargo shipments showed that the company shipped as much as 2.4+ million cans from January to May 2022 (excluding air cargo). The products from Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility have been distributed across the US and are likely to have been exported to other countries, the recall advisory warned. Because heavy metals and other contaminants could greatly affect babies body and brain development, Consumer Reports and the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) call for the passing of the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021. (42), When news of the recall hit, the company allegedly increased dividends to shareholders by over 25%. This first batch can feed 9,000 babies and 18,000 toddlers for just one week, explains Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The items comply with all the release requirements before product distribution. It was easier to increase the shipments from Europe because both products were already being imported to the US even before the shortage, the Nestle representative explained. (13), In July, around 750,000 cans of Danone formula equivalent to 19 million 8-ounce bottles will arrive from the companys manufacturing facility in Ireland. (42), An Abbott spokesperson explained that their strong balance sheet let them invest in improving their facilities even if they offered the stock buybacks. (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. The measure covers additional staff for the agency. (26), Dr. Crouse also warns against giving watered-down formulas to stretch your supply. (68), These formulas were recalled for failure to meet FDA requirements (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for pre-market notifications. She saw that clumpy solids had formed at the bottom. Abbott will also restart the production of Similac and other formulas as soon as possible. The case is still under investigation, with authorities trying to determine the cause of the infants, 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, In February 2022, Similac recalled several powdered formulas for possible contamination with bacteria, specifically, The company issued the recall following reports of four hospitalized babies from bacterial infection, and one possible infant death due to, after allegedly drinking Similac formulas, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas, The first two digits of the codes are numbers from 22 to 37, The expiration date code is from 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.