FAQ: Similac Infant Formula Recall 2010

 
 

Yesterday certain brands of Abbott's Similac Brand Powder Infant Formulas in cans and plastic containers were recalled because they "did not meet its quality standards" due to the potential contamination by the presence of the small common beetle or their larvae according to a FDA press release. The contaminated containers could potentially cause stomach ache and digestion problems. Liquid Similac formulas are not part of the voluntary recall.

Similac powders formula in plastic tubs vs. cans

Plastic tubs: All powders in a plastic tub are being recalled according to a Abbot spokesperson speaking on CNN about the recall. This is not the same information given in their initial press release about the recall in which they told consumers to use their Similac powder infant formula lookup to check if the lot number is in the recall list. Evidently, all the plastic tub lot numbers are on the recall list. Unfortunately the Similac recall lookup website has been overloaded by consumer traffic and it loads very slowly. 

Similac has also provided a 59-page hPDF with a complete list of recalled Similac formulas. The FDA has a searchable Similac Infant Formula List.

Cans: If you  have a Similac powder in a can, use the website to look up to see if that specific can lot number is on the recall list. The specific contaminated products are offered in 8-oz, 12.4 oz., and 12.9 oz cans.

(Liquid Similac formulas are not part of the voluntary recall. )

Was the formula sold in the U.S.?

The Abbott plant involved is in Sturgis, Michigan, and the recall involves up to 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. 

The specific contaminated products are offered in plastic containers and in 8-oz, 12.4 oz., and 12.9 oz cans.

According to the FDA: "At least 12 of the recalled products were provided to families through the federal government’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) health and nutrition program."

Is the contaminated formula a health danger?

The FDA released this safety warning: 

"Possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product. The FDA has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract."

Health warnings and safety alerts by the FDA for Similac recall:

"If symptoms are noted and persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted. Products with affected lot numbers should be returned to Abbott at no cost to the consumer." 

How to check if your formula is on the recall list:

• Find the lot number on your containers.
• Go to Similac powder infant formula lookup, and type in their lot number to determine if their product is affected.
• Or call (800) 986-8850, however the wait time can be very long.
• Similac has also provided a 59-page PDF with a complete list of recalled Similac formulas.
• The FDA has a searchable Infant Formula Products List.

The Similac website is loading very slowly. Also, all Similac powder formula in a plastic tub is being recalled so you do not have to use Similac website. (Note:  Liquid Similac formulas are not part of the voluntary recall.)

 

How to find Similac lot numbers on cans and plastic tubs according to the FDA.

 

For more information:

• Similac Powder Infant Formula Recall Lookup.
• FDA press release: Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac® Brand Powder Infant Formulas That Did Not Meet Its Quality Standards
• SFDA Safety Alerts: Similac Powder Infant Formulas: Recall
• Abbott Nutrition: Similac powder infant formula recall
• CBS News: Similac Recall 2010: How to Keep Your Kids Safe
• Huffington Post: Similac Recall: Beetles Concern Prompts Infant Formula To Be Recalled