A warning for baby formulas made by Abbott Nutrition has been issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The formulas have been linked to four cases of illness in children nationally that were caused by Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause severe reactions in infants and children. All four of the infants were hospitalized, and one of the children died from an illness that may be linked to Cronobacter infection. No illnesses linked to the bacteria have been reported in Maine.
Cronobacter infections can cause sepsis, brain and spine inflammation and can cause severe damage to the digestive system, including the bowels.
The affected formulas were manufactured in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan, and were distributed at Maine stores.
Mainers are warned not to use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formula with codes that start with the numbers 22 through 37 or if the code on the formula contains the combinations K8, SH or Z2. The codes can be found on the container packaging near the expiration date stamp.
Formula with an expiration date of April 2022 or later may also be tainted.
Those who have purchased this formula should dispose of it, or return unopened containers for a refund.
This advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Consumers can continue to use all products that are not mentioned in this advisory, or do not contain the codes or expiration dates mentioned in the advisory.
Symptoms of a Cronobacter infection can include poor response to being fed, irritability, body temperature changes, jaundiced skin which appears as yellowing skin and whites of the eyes, grunting or poor breathing and abnormal body movements, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If your child is displaying these symptoms, they should receive medical attention immediately.
Mainers are advised to speak with their child’s pediatrician to discuss formula substitutions if necessary, and are warned not to feed children with homemade formulas, or dilute existing formulas to feed to their children.
More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on the U.S. CDC’s website.