News

2nd Infant Formula, Which Hospitals in S’pore Use, Recalled for Possible Bacterial Contamination

2022-02-24 , 9:21 am

Parents and caregivers, you might want to read this.

Another Abbott infant product, the Similac Human Milk Fortifier, has been recalled by the SFA due to possibilities of bacterial contamination.

Here’s what to look out for, especially if your baby has consumed this product recently.

Details of Recalled Batches: Expiration Date, Lot Numbers

On 23 February, the Singapore Food Agency said in an update that they had directed importer Abbott Laboratories to recall batches of its Similac Human Milk Fortifier sachets. This is in addition to batches of Abbot Alimentum infant formula that were recalled last week.

The batches of Similac Human Milk Fortifier recalled are from the United States, and have an expiry date of 1 April 2022 or later.

The lot numbers on the containers of the affected batches contain K8, SH or Z2. The first two digits of the code run from 22 to 37.

The recalls for both products have since been completed.

What To Look Out For If You’ve Used This Product

Both products have been recalled due to potentially containing the Cronobacter sakazakiii and salmonella Newport disease-causing pathogens.

Cronobacter sakazakii infections are generally rare, but they can cause meningitis, a very severe response to infection. It includes the inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of infection include fever, poor appetite, or lethargy.

Salmonella Newport, on the other hand, can cause gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

If your infants have consumed these products recently and feel unwell, you should seek medical assistance. Both Cronobacter sakazakii and salmonella infections can be treated with antibiotics.

SFA also said that parents and caregivers who are concerned should stop using these products. If you require further clarification, you can contact Abbott Laboratories at 62786220, or email them at family [email protected].

Nine Hospitals Confirmed To Have Used Products

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has directed all public and private hospitals to be alert for any symptoms of cronobacter infection or salmonellosis. This comes after nine hospitals have confirmed that they’ve used the affected infant formulas.

The nine hospitals are:

Gleneagles
KK Women’s and Children’s
Mount Alvernia
Mount Elizabeth
Mount Elizabeth Novena
National University
Raffles
Singapore General
Thomson Medical Centre

As of today, there hasn’t been any case of adverse events stemming from the consumption of the affected products. MOH will continue to monitor the situation closely.

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Other Countries Also Recalling Abbott Products

The recalls started after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it was investigating complaints regarding infant formula produced at an Abbott facility in Michigan. This was announced on 17 February.

The complaints involved four infants who fell ill after consuming the Abbott formula. All four had to be hospitalised, and a Cronobacter infection may have led to the death of one infant.

Since then, recalls of Abbott milk products have been done in other countries, including Canada and Malaysia. China has also warned consumers against buying and consuming the affected products.