Powdered Infant Formula Recall: What You Need to Know

On February 17, 2022, Abbott Nutrition announced a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formula products.

Brands impacted include Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare.

How do I know if my formula is affected by the recall?

The recall only applies to powdered formula produced at one of Abbott Nutrition's factories.

If you have Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula in your home, you can check to see if your formula is impacted by looking at the code/number at the bottom of the container.

The container should be discarded if the following conditions are met:

• The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37
• The code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2
• The expiration date is APR 2022 or later

You can also visit the manufacturer's website to see images of where the code/number is located on these products and to type in your lot number to see if it's affected by the recall.

In some cases, patients at South Shore Medical Center may have received sample packages of formula from these brands.

While we have no knowledge of these samples being impacted by the recall, we advise discarding those packages out of an abundance of caution.

If you receive your formula through the WIC program, they ask that you keep the can but DO NOT use it.

WIC is working on determining a process for replacing affected formula and will share additional information soon.

At this time, if you're in a situation with no available formula to use, please contact your local WIC program for guidance.

My child uses one of these formulas - what should I use instead?

If you'd like to use a different formula while the FDA conducts its investigation, the Pediatrics Team at South Shore Medical Center recommends the following substitutes:

• Similac: Use Enfamil instead
• Alimentum: Use Nutramigen instead
• EleCare: Use Neocate instead

You can also find a detailed substitute chart below, courtesy of the North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition:

My container meets the recall criteria and I already gave some to my child - what should I do?

Don't panic - the recall was out of an abundance of caution, and there's nothing to indicate there are widespread problems at this time.

If your container meets the criteria above and your child has already consumed some of the formula, discard the remaining formula and use one of the recommended substitutes instead.

Monitor your child for concerning symptoms, including jaundice, grunting breaths, fever, or diarrhea.

If your child displays these symptoms, notify your pediatrician and seek medical care immediately.

For the latest information on this recall, please visit the FDA website.