22-02 - FDA Public Health Advisory: Abbott Powdered Formula Recall

Illinois WIC Vendor Notice 22-02

TO: Illinois WIC Vendors 

FROM: Stephanie Bess, M.S., R.D., LDN

 Chief, Bureau of Family Nutrition

SUBJECT: FDA Public Health Advisory: Abbott Powdered Formula Recall

DATE: February 18, 2022

The FDA announced an investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella complaints in certain powdered infant formulas on 2/17/22. For Illinois, the impact is contained to a small, but important number of WIC families who have been issued Alimentum, Elecare Infant, or EleCare Junior powdered formulas.

This is a rapidly changing situation and we are waiting for further guidance from USDA however, at this time we can share the following:

  • Please refer to the Abbott Formula Recall Guidance for information from the manufacturer regarding this recall.
  • Under these extenuating circumstances, treat WIC customers returning Alimentum powder, Elecare Infant, and Elecare Junior formula like any other customers.
  • Please make sure none of the affected recalled formula is on your shelf. Recalled products can be identified by the 7 to 9-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:
    • 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.
  • Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted. Consumers should continue to use all products not covered by the advisory.
  • The FDA advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
  • As a reminder, vendors may only provide "exchanges of an identical authorized supplemental food item when the original authorized supplemental food item is defective […]" (lll. Adm Code 672.425g).
    • This recall falls under this.
  • Vendors may limit quantities purchased or exchanged.
  • Refer families to their local WIC office if they have further questions.

Updates will be shared as we are able, and will be posted on the Department website at www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor.