concentrate. (13), Severe thunderstorms hit Michigan, resulting in power outages and flood damage, including areas of the Abbott plant. They loaded on one C-17 cargo plane and flew to Indianapolis. (39), The company is also tasked to change these: (38), Many people have blamed the formula shortage on Abbott because of the massive recall of its products, including Similac Elecare, and Alimentum products in February 2022. (43), While the nationwide out-of-stock rate was around 40% in April 2022, it soared to 50% in the following states: (44), Sometime in May, Nevada announced that its also experiencing a decrease of at least 50% of the states baby formula supply. 3. . Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. The products from Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility have been distributed across the US and are likely to have been exported to other countries, the recall advisory warned. The powdered contents settled while the water was on top. (52), A Mississippi-based nonprofit organization is being bashed on social media after mistakenly getting blamed for the US formula shortage due to their Ukraine relief shipments. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. Abbott clarifies that all products undergo rigorous testing, including routine tests for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogensin their manufacturing facilities before these are released for public consumption. According to Bellinger, her husband prepared several formula bottles and put them in the fridge before sleeping. Only the raw materials are tested. They put their money to help the shareholders instead of improving the plant or making productive investments. She warns that cows milk should never be considered even as a temporary substitute for babies with special health needs or those using specialty formulas for allergies. These European formulas can help ease the formula shortage for many desperate parents. However, the company hasnt issued a recall of its products. In February Abbott Nutrition recalled their Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas after four infants fell ill and two infants died, leading to concerns about bacterial contamination in the. Learn More. (43). The following results are also from the, in Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack, . (99), This formula was distributed in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Dominican Republic. (67), In addition, they found more unsanitary conditions: (67). It is believed that Abbott Nutritions reopening of its Sturgis, Michigan plant, the one involved in the massive Similac recall in February 2022, might boost the stocks. (27), Several groups are calling out Abbott for reportedly enjoying high profits (as high as 94%) between 2019 and 2021, even if bacteria were already detected in its products within the same period. Abbott Nutrition clarifies that this recall only affects certain products and specific bottle lots or case/carton numbers. (29), To help keep up with the lower supplies and higher demands, the White House announced plans to increase imports from key suppliers, including the Netherlands, Chile, Mexico, and Ireland. (23). And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport, can be commonly found in the environment, including areas around the home. The whistleblower made a long list of allegations regarding security lapses and unsafe practices at the plant in Sturgis, Michigan. As head of the congressional subcommittee, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi states: My Subcommittees investigation has pulled back the curtain on the baby food industry, and each revelation has been more damning than the last. To assure worried customers, Abbott Nutrition explained that they had improved their systems and protocols at the Sturgis facility. Formula. (68), Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage PRE; 0-6 months), Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Holle Bio Organic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Holle Goat Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Holle Goat Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Holle Goat Organic Toddler Formula (Stage 3; 10+ months), HiPP Dutch Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP Dutch Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage PRE Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (0-6 months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 6+ months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP German Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP German Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP UK Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP UK Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1, from birth), Kendamil Organic Follow on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP Anti-Reflux Milk Formula (from birth): 1.06 mg, HiPP Dutch Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula, Stage 1 (6+ months): 1.01 mg, HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.43 mg, HiPP German Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Holle Bio Organic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.18 mg, Holle Goat Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Holle Goat Stage 3 Organic Toddler Formula, 10+ months: 1.52 mg, Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.43 mg, HiPP UK Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula, Stage 1 (from birth): 1.10 mg, Kendamil Organic Follow on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.06 mg, But be sure to always seek your pediatricians advice. The products with UPC Code# 52200034705 have been affected and here you can find out all the details about this. (34), It will include a $76 million increase to be used for the following: (34), Califf told lawmakers that the FDA needs these major improvements, not because of bad people but because the agency needs the right resources and consistent leadership. (27). Heres Everything You Need To Know, Nutricia Formula Wasnt Recalled in 2022, However It Did Test Positive For Cronobacter. But the company had set very high internal maximum levels, so the ingredients actually failed government regulations. The company is now the US largest formula supplier after Similac was hounded with issues in 2022. (Washington, DC) Today, DC Health is advising parents and caregivers of infants to not use infant formula that has been recalled by the FDA for possible bacterial contamination. (47), However, the FDAs published guidance still requires formula manufacturers to meet the minimum requirements for specific nutrients, labeling, and product safety tests. . This can give them more options than WIC-approved brands that could be unavailable due to a recall or shortage. However, theyre still running out of baby formulas despite these measures. Despite the high levels of heavy metals in their finished products, Nurture admitted that the test results arent used as a basis for product release. (82), Neither Walmart nor the brand issued a recall on the formula, but Enfamil encourages customers to check the packaging of any product they are buying for signs of tampering. (26). (85), Police arrested Jennifer LaPlante over the incident. The White House believes that if manufacturers focus on simplifying product offerings, then they might increase production. (42), Abbotts net profits reportedly increased from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion, two years before the recall, according to records of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The measure covers additional staff for the agency. The Subcommittee asked the following baby food manufacturers to submit test results of the products that reportedly have high levels of toxic heavy metals: (4), Of these seven companies, only Gerber, Nurture, Hain, and Beech-Nut submitted their test results and internal standards or testing policies to the Subcommittee. If this passes into law, baby food manufacturers will be required to test and disclose their test results to regulators and parents. One baby has already been hospitalized due to mineral imbalances from taking homemade formula. (75)(76), In 2018, CVS temporarily removed all Enfamil formulas from stores across the US after one mom, Alison Denning, reportedly purchased a tampered container from a CVS location in Oldsmar, Florida. But after shaking the bottles, she was surprised when the powder still didnt dissolve. However, Bronson Methodist Hospital pediatrician Dr. Megan Sikkema warns parents against following the AAPs new recommendation. The kids were admitted to the Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Childrens Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. The two government agencies issued a joint statement declaring the products as safe. Both products serve a critical medical purpose because theyre especially formulated for babies with cows milk protein allergies. Aside from this measure, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is coordinating with different states to let WIC recipients buy available products (instead of only buying WIC-approved options). Only one batch (lot code C26EVFV with a use by date of February 26, 2021) was affected. She added that if you cant help but give your baby cows milk, make sure its really for as short as possible. (10), FDA officials announced that they received a new report of another formula-related infant death last June 10. Youll still need to include these foods in your childs diet, but make sure they arent taken in excess. In June 2021, Designed by Nature baby formula products (base formula, cow milk, and goat milk) were recalled for possible health and safety risks due to incorrect labels. (4). (42), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls the shortage unconscionable and tragic, describing how there are so many babies left hungry and crying. Expert-recommended DHA to support brain & eye development. Affected products were from lot code BME01 with an expiration date code of 1JAN04. There werent any other lots or products affected by this recall. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. (83), In 2018, Chelsea Bellinger of Buckeye, Arizona, bought a possibly tampered formula. (23). Its only the investigation thats closed. Here are some baby formulas for you to try (US brands), with your doctors approval: You can also consider the following European formulas, which could be the best organic options for your baby: IMPORTANT: Please consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician before switching to any of these formulas. According to director Brian Deese of the White House National Economic Council, the military cargo plane (from the Air Force cargo) carried 15% of the USs demand for specialty medical-grade baby formula. (24), Danone SA, the makers of Aptamil based in Paris, France, announced that it has increased its formula shipments to help with the US shortage. Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter sakazakii results from environmental samples taken by the FDA and adverse inspectional observations by the FDA investigators. (8), Carrots, Apples & Mangoes; with best before dates: July 13, 2016 (batch 51955335XX), and July 14, 2016 (batch 51965335XX), Pears, Carrots & Peas; with best before dates: July 12, 2016 (batch 51945335XX), and July 13, 2016 (batch 51955335XX), FDA Proposes New Lead Limits On Baby Foods, the FDA proposes new lead level limits for baby food, applicable for children under two years old: (10)(11), Lower than 10 ppb (parts per billion) in fruits, meat, yogurts, most vegetables, custards and puddings, and mixed meals (includes grain and meat-based mixtures), Maximum of 20 ppb in dry infant cereals and also in root crops (such as sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots) because they grow underground and potentially absorb more lead from the soil, .gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements, (6) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/, -recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/, .gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/, -issues-allergy-alert-clarify-egg-labeling-cheese-ravioli-pasta-pick-upsr, -is-voluntarily-recalling-two-batches-of-gerberR-organic-2nd-foodsR-pouches, Baby Wipes Recall 2022: Affected Brands & Toxic Products, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Enfamil Gentlease, Best Materials For Toddler Girl Winter Boots, 4 Essential Oils For Sinus Infection Congestion, 4 Essential Oils For Earache & Ear Infections, 3 Scientifically-Proven Ways To Calm Down An Overactive Amygdala, Interview Series: Serenity Kids' Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters, Subcommittee Congressional Report On Toxic Baby Foods, Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY And Happy Family Organics), Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earths Best Organic), Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods), Gerber Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups (2017), Baby Food Recalls: How Toxic Heavy Metals Were Found In Some Of The Most Popular Brands, Sprout Baby Food Recalls 2021-2023: Everything You Need To Know, Everything You Need To Know About The HappyBABY Organic Food Recalls 2021-2023, Earth's Best Baby Food Recalls 2021-2023: Everything You Need To Know, Baby Mum-Mum Recalls 2021-2023: What You Need To Know, Happy TOT Recalls 2021-2023: What You Need To Know. (41). (26), Dr. Crouse also warns against giving watered-down formulas to stretch your supply. (55), To avoid hoarding, retailers like CVS, Walmart, and Target have put a cap on the quantity that consumers can buy. It was easier to increase the shipments from Europe because both products were already being imported to the US even before the shortage, the Nestle representative explained. How Will You Know If Your Ketocal 3:1 Is Included? (87)(88), This infant formula recall included these Similac products: (90)(91), According to the FDA recall notice, ingesting the beetle can cause intestinal discomfort, or your child might refuse to eat. (27), Suppliers are required to prioritize orders from baby formula manufacturers under this act. In a factsheet made by Nutricia, parents and carers are advised to continue using this product for their babies using revised preparation instructions. She wants those responsible to pay for what they did, saying that there might be a need for indictment. (40), Although Abbott maintains that the bacterial strains from their plant didnt match those from the FDAs investigations, FDA officials recently refuted this claim. According to Dr. Mark Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, he admitted the two patients (a toddler and a preschooler) because they ran out of EleCare. The company has informed the FDA of the new setback and announced that production will likely be delayed for a few weeks. (89), The issue was discovered during a quality review. (2), Abbott Nutrition clarified that this recall only includes a small percentage of the ready-to-drink bottles distributed to some hospitals, doctors offices, retailers, and distributors in these areas: (2), Abbott Nutrition clarifies that this recall only affects certain products and specific bottle lots or case/carton numbers. Is Gerber Good Start Gentle the same as Gerber Good Start? Heres Everything You Need To Know, Earths Best Baby Food Recalls 2021-2023: Everything You Need To Know. (1). Did you know that exposure to toxic heavy metals can significantly affect your babys brain development? (4), in ingredients from rice flour (67 batches), The company doesnt test the other raw materials or ingredients for this, , only Nurture regularly tests ingredients, arent used as a basis for product release. Anyone who bought Abbott formula from the retail pharmacy giant should check for the following codes that indicate the products were recalled in February 2022: The codes are found at the bottom of the package or container. (42), An Abbott spokesperson explained that their strong balance sheet let them invest in improving their facilities even if they offered the stock buybacks. (85), Gerber didnt issue a recall because it was considered an isolated incident.