Product Recall: Similac Powder Infant Formulas
The Department of Health today [Sept 23] confirmed that Bermuda is included in the list of countries affected by the Similac powder infant formulas that have been recalled by the US manufacturer. The recall was initiated due to the possibility of the presence of beetle parts in the product.
A Health spokesperson said that it is likely that some of the affected product will have already been purchased by Bermuda consumers. The spokesperson advised parents and caregivers to check the codes on the packaging of any Similac powder infant formula that they may currently have in their possession or use.
The recall of the powder infant formulas includes certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers, and certain Similac powder product lines offered in sizes such as 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans. Image below courtesy of the FDA:
The Department of Health said today that it has worked with BGA, local importers and distributors of Similac, to ensure that the affected Similac powder products are removed from shelves. All local grocers have also been advised of the recall and Environmental Health Officers are monitoring stores to assure that the product is not inadvertently offered for sale.
The manufacturer of Similac issued a recall following an internal quality review that detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product from one production area in a single manufacturing facility. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The FDA has advised that if these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.
Parents and caregivers who have questions about the health of their children should consult a physician. Parents and caregivers can also visit www.similac.com/recall where they can type in the lot number to immediately find out if the product in their possession is included in the recall.
No Abbott liquid infant formulas are impacted. Products not involved in the recall include all Abbott Nutrition liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated infant formulas and all powder and liquid specialty formulas, such as Similac Expert Care™ Alimentum®, Elecare®, Similac Expert Care™ Neosure®, Similac® Human Milk Fortifier, and metabolic formulas for inherited disorders.
Further information can be found on the US Food and Drug Administration website, including product images and how to find the lot number codes on the packaging can be found here on the FDA site.
Ronald Samuels, associate director of the primary care center at Children’s Hospital Boston told Commonhealth that “It sounds like a horror movie. But this appears to be a theoretical risk more than a real one. Even if you eat this stuff — it can cause stomach problems, upset stomach, nausea — but it will not cause long term problems, it won’t poison your kids.”
Irony….was in a Farm Fresh this morning and spoke to the Manager. “I see your into baby food, I thought you were still breats feeding”.
Gospel truth. He was removing the above.
Small world.
BREASTFEED, PEOPLE!
unless you can’t of course. otherwise
BREASTFEED, PEOPLE!
This is one of the reasons women need to breastfeed!! Who knows what’s in these processed formulas? They can do more harm than good. “Breast” is definitely best!!