Effective 2/18/2022
Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas:
- All Alimentum, and Elecare (Infant and Jr) powders are affected
- Recall does not include liquid formulas (ready-to-feed and concentrate)
Abbott is working quickly to resolve this issue and provide replacement formula.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
Identify if your formula is affected by the recall. There is a multi-digit number on the bottom of the container:
- 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.
Product images to help find the multi-digit number can be found on the FDA website.
Do not use the recalled formula.
If you have formula benefits available on your card, you may shop as normal for unaffected formula. Stores may be limiting the number of cans you can redeem at this time.
Exchange the recalled formula at the store if unaffected product is available. Stores may be limiting the number of cans you can exchange. Stores may have removed all formula to sort out those affected by the recall and will replace soon.
If a replacement for recalled formula is not available at the store, do not leave the recalled formula at the store or discard it:
- Contact your local WIC office
- Complete the Similac recall process at www.similacrecall.com or call +1-800-986-8540
- Use LINK or other means to purchase formula
Contact your physician if infant is experiencing any of the following symptoms: poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.
Breastfeeding Support Options
WIC is available for breastfeeding support. Contact your local WIC office.
Reach out to a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor or WIC staff at your Local WIC office for breastfeeding information and support.
Maintaining and increasing human milk supply is important, particularly when infant formula availability may be limited:
- If you are combining breastfeeding and infant formula feeding, breastfeed more often to increase milk supply and reduce the need for infant formula. The more milk that is removed, the more milk will be produced. See the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Low Milk Supply webpage for more information.
- If you were thinking about weaning from breastfeeding, consider waiting to avoid introducing or increasing formula use.
- It is possible to bring back a milk supply after you stopped breastfeeding, or to start producing milk even if baby wasn't initially breastfed. A lactation consultant can help.
Human milk is one of the best things for babies. To learn more, visit USDA WIC Breastfeeding website
