The original Recall Recommendation from Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from February 2022 are/were:
Do not use the following formulas:
- Powdered Alimentum
- Elecare Infant formula powder
- Similac Infant formula powder with the lot numbers listed
- The first two digits of the code were 22 through 37 plus
- The code on the contain contains K8, SH or Z2 plus
- The expiration date of the product is April 2002 (04-01-2022) or later
- Similac PM 60 / 40
All ready-to-feed formula and concentrate products are unaffected by the recall. The recall pertains to powder formula only.
For more information about recalled products or for information about Abbott products (Similac, Alimentum, Elecare infant) Parents and caregivers can call: 1(800) 986-8540 or visit: www.Similacrecall.com
Abbott Updates:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Updates:
FDA Updates:
USDA Updates:
Additional information about the recall and formula can be found at:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/ofs/infant-formula-safety
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/toll-free-numbers-wic-state-agencies
What is Cronobactor?
More information related to Cronobacter and infant formulas from the Centers for Disease Control is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/infant-formula.html
Infant Formula Shortage: How to Communicate with Clients and Advocate for Change
On June 8, 2022, PNPG hosted a webinar with the Academy and field experts at the USDA and FDA.
Listen Here
Imported Formula
The Publications team has been working on 100kcal and 100ml nutrient reference sheets for the imported infant formulas. Formulas are continuously being added and the Publications team will continue to provide updated versions.
Table 1 Includes information on the recalled formulas and appropriate alternative formulas
(Do not substitute toddler formula for infant formula. They do not meet the nutritional needs of infants.)
|
FORMULA
|
ALTERNATIVE FORMULA
|
|
Elecare infant (powdered infant amino acid based formula)
|
Alfamino - Nestlé
Neocate infant - Nutricia
Neocate Syneo (contains probiotics - NOT for use in kids with short bowel syndrome) - Nutricia
PurAmino DHA & ARA infant – Reckitt Mead Johnson
|
|
Elecare Jr.
|
Alfamino Jr. – Nestlé
Equaquare Jr. - Cambrooke
Essential Care Jr. - Cambrooke
Neocate Jr – Nutricia
Neocate Splash - Nutricia
PurAmino Jr. – Reckitt Mead Johnson
|
|
Similac Alimentum
|
Gerber Extensive HA - Gerber/Nestlé
Nutramingen - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Pregestimil - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Similac Alimentum Ready to Feed Liquid - Abbott
Perrigo – Store brand hypoallergenic infant formula
Amazon: Mama Bear Hypoallergenic
CVS: CVS Health Hypoallergenic
HEB: Baby Hypoallergenic
Kroger: Comforts Hypoallergenic
Meijer: Meijer Baby Hypoallergenic
SpartanNash: Tippy Toes Hypoallergenic
Target: Up & Up Hypoallergenic infant
Walgreens: Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic
Walmart: Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic
|
Similac Soy
|
Earth's Best Organic Soy - Earth's Best
Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant Based - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Good Start Soy - Gerber
Store Brand Soy Infant Formula - Perrigo
|
|
Similac Sensitive / Pro Sensitive / 360 Total Care Sensitive
|
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula - ByHeart
Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity - Earth's Best
Earth's Best Gentle Formula - Earth's Best
Enfamil Gentlease – Reckitt Mead Johnson
Enfamil Newborn Infant - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlease - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Enfamil Reguline - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Good Start Gentle - Gerber
Good Start Soothe Pro - Gerber
Similac Sensitive Ready to Feed liquid or concentrate liquid - Abbott
Store brand Sensitivity infant formulas - Perrigo
|
|
Similac Spit Up
|
Enfamil AR - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Similac for Spit Up Ready to Feed liquid - Abbott
Store brand Added Rice Infant Formula - Perrigo
|
|
Similac Total Comfort / Pro Total Comfort
|
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula - ByHeart
Enfamil Gentlease - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlease - Reckitt Mead Johnson
Good Start Gentle - Gerber/Nestlé
Good Start GentlePro - Gerber/Nestlé
Similac Total Comfort Ready to Feed liquid - Abbott
Store Brand Complete Comfort Infant Formula - Perrigo
|
Chart from NASPGHAN: https://naspghan.org/recent-news/naspghan-tools-for-hcps-affected-by-formula-recall/
Hypoallergenic Product Similar to Alimentum
 Enfamil Nutramingen |
 Gerber Extensive HA |
 Mead Johnson Pregestimil |
 Amazon: Mama Bear |
 CVS Health Hypoallergenic |
 HEB: Baby Hypoallergenic |
 Kroger: Comforts Hypoallergenic |
 Meijer Baby Hypoallergenic |
 SpartanNash: Tippy Toes Hypoallergenic |
 Target: Up & Up Hypoallergenic infant |
 Walgreens: Well Beginnings |
 Walmart: Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic |
For families receiving formula from WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), you may need to contact other WIC accepting stores or pharmacies in your area if your usual location is unable to provide formula at this time. By downloading the WIC Shopper App, caregivers are able to search for other stores accepting WIC. https://ebtshopper.com
Families have also noted difficulties finding other powder formulas that are typically available on store shelves including formula for premature infants and hypoallergenic formulas. If the child is a health term infant changing to another infant formula is okay and should be tolerated by the infant. If the formula was “prescribed” by a medical professional contact the child’s healthcare provider or pediatric dietitian if problems finding the child’s formula continues. The table below has links to assist with locating infant formula for families.
Resources for Finding Hypoallergenic and Amino Acid-based Formulas
|
|
manufacturer
|
formula name(s)
|
website(s)
|
|
Abbott
|
Elecare, Elecare Jr, Alimentum powder
|
Check if included in recall
Store Locator
|
|
Nutricia
|
Neocate Syneo, Neocate Infant DHA/ARA, Neocate Jr, Neocate Splash
|
Where to Buy
|
|
Nestlé
|
Alfamino Infant, Alfamino Jr
|
Formula4success
|
|
Cambrooke
|
Equacare Jr, Essential Care Jr
|
Sample Requests
|
|
Mead Johnson
|
PurAmino DHA & ARA, Nutramigen, Pregestimil
|
Nutramigen Savings,
myPurAmino program
Store Locator
|
| Gerber |
|
Store Locator
|
| Store Brand Formula |
|
Store Locator
|
Formula handling and storage
Safe preparation and storage of formula is important when feeding your child to help prevent contamination. Following these guidelines can help!
- Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing your child's formula
- Ensure appropriate cleaning, sanitizing and storage of bottles
- Use liquid formula when possible
- Prepare and store powdered infant formula safely
Please refer to the CDC recommendations for more in-depth guidance on formula preparation and storage.
Homemade Formula
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns parents NOT to make or provide homemade infant formula.
Homemade formulas may not have the right levels of certain nutrients, which could cause nutrient imbalances that may be harmful. Using raw/unpasteurized cow’s milk or goat’s milk is not safe due to the potential for bacteria present (such as E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella) which can be harmful for anyone: babies, children and adults included!
If your child is under 1 year of age (or corrected age, if your child was born prematurely), do not provide non-dairy cow’s milk alternatives such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat milks. These options are not safe for infants and do not provide the right nutrition for your baby. Infants should not be fed Toddler formulas or formulas intended for older children as these have higher nutrient levels that are not suitable for infants.
For more information read The Risks of Homemade Infant Formula.
Cow's Milk
The AAP just updated their website with guidance that cow's milk maybe acceptable for some infants over six months of age if infant formula cannot be obtained during the formula shortage. This only applies to infants using standard formulas. This is not ideal and should not become routine, but is better than diluting formula or using homemade formula.
Read their statement here: With the baby formula shortage, what should I do if I can't find any? and Why Do Infants Need Baby Formula Instead of Cow's Milk
What should I do if I cannot afford formula?
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Mothers who qualify based on income can enroll in WIC to receive vouchers for formula, https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-how-apply
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): You can use your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card (formerly called food stamps) to buy formula. If you are enrolled in WIC, you also might qualify for SNAP.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program offers temporary cash assistance to qualified families. Locate your state TANF program at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families.
Where can I get help if I do not qualify for benefits?
Breastfeeding Support:
Useful Articles:
page updated 5/26/2022