The Office of MaineCare Services sent out a notice of recall to parents this week after an investigation linked a number of Cronobacter Sakasakii illnesses in infants to powdered infant formula.

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"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled some powdered infant formulas produced by Abbott formula manufacturing company, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare, due to a number of infant infections potentially linked to the powdered formula. If you tried to fill, or you have filled, a prescription for any medical powdered formula that is on the recall list, your pharmacist will work with you and, if needed, contact your provider to change your prescription."

According to the Center for Disease Control website, while Cronobacter infections are rare, they can be deadly in newborns.

"Cronobacter sakazakii, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, is a germ found naturally in the environment. The germs can live in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Cronobacter can cause diarrhea and urinary tract infections in people of all ages, but infection can be very serious in infants."

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A majority of the tainted formula is prescription-based and used for newborns, who are at the highest risk for complications.

"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. “We want to reassure the public that we’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products, which we recognize include infant formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible."

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The FDA says consumers should check the formula they have at home for the following information, as they have traced the issue back to certain batches of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas:

"The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later."

ProductImage2-FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) (2)
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For more information about this or any FDA recall, you can go to FDA.gov.

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