Australian Food Authority Recalls US Baby Formulas Due to Potentially Fatal Contamination

Australian health authorities recall baby formulas due to Salmonella and Cronobacter. Peter Oslanec/Unsplash

Australian health authorities have recalled several baby formulas by U.S. health care company Abbott Laboratories after reports of four infants getting sick after consuming the formula.

Victorian and New South Wales (NSW) doctors issued warnings to parents on Feb. 20, to stop feeding their babies with formula from EleCare, Similac, and Alimentum as they may be contaminated with the dangerous bacterias Salmonella and Cronobacter.

The specialist formulas are made in Michigan in the United States but are available in Australia through prescription at pharmacies, hospitals, and via direct mail order.

Salmonella causes fevers, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea lasting four to seven days.

Cronobacter can cause fever, excessive crying, poor feeding, very low energy. Additionally, infections in babies have the potential to be fatal.

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Abbott’s executive vice president of nutritional products Joe Manning said the company was initiating a “proactive, voluntary recall” out of caution in a Feb. 17 statement.

“We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers, and health care professionals,” Manning said.

The products under recall have a multi-digit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, containing K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. Image supplied by Abbott Laboratories

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed it began an investigation into the complaints after four babies were hospitalised and one potentially died due to their consumption of the formula.

“As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections,” said Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, in a statement on Thursday.

The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation warned parents to seek medical attention if after consumption their babies become unwell.

“Parents and caregivers should cease feeding with the affected products as soon as an alternative has been sourced,” the foundation said in an alert.

“Infants or children may present to health services and emergency departments unwell if they have consumed affected formula.”

NSW Health Chief Paediatrician Matthew O'Meara said so far, no known illnesses linked to the baby formulas have been reported in NSW.

The formulas are mainly used for children under one year of age with cow milk protein allergy, short gut syndrome, eosinophilic oesophagitis, or severe intestinal issues.

“Both Salmonella and cronobacter infections can be treated with antibiotics,” O'Meara said in a video message on the product recall.