Agency classClass IOur severity:Critical FDA (Food)·F-0956-2022·Announced 2022-03-16

Abbott infant formula recalled for Cronobacter and Salmonella contamination

Abbott is recalling Similac Alimentum infant formula due to consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport contamination, with evidence of Cronobacter in the manufacturing facility. The recall affects 40,943 cases.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: FDA Class I recall with consumer complaints related to high-risk pathogens (Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport) in infant formula, plus evidence of Cronobacter in the manufacturing facility. These pathogens pose serious health risk to infants.

Plain-English summary

Abbott Laboratories is recalling multiple batches of Similac Alimentum and Alimentum Eye Q infant formula products in 400g cans. The recall was initiated due to consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport, with evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii also detected in the manufacturing facility where the product was produced.

Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport are pathogenic bacteria that pose significant health risks, particularly for infants. These pathogens can cause serious illness including sepsis and meningitis in vulnerable populations.

The affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States and internationally. The recall involves 40,943 cases with the following item numbers: 6208407, 6208418, 6208481, 6208482, 6208483. Consumers who have purchased these products should cease use immediately and consult with their pediatrician if they suspect their infant has been exposed or has experienced symptoms of illness.

Detailed batch codes and additional product information are available through Abbott Laboratories. Consumers with questions should contact Abbott directly or consult the FDA website for additional recall details.

The recalled product

Product: Abbott Similac Alimentum Eye Q Plus 400g. can. Abbott Alimentum Eye Q 400g. can. Abbott Alimentum Eye Q Hypoallergenic 400g. can. 6 cans per case. Item numbers: 6208407 6208418 6208481 6208482 6208483 Retail UPCs: 070074110431 070074123905 070074110356…
Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories
Category: Food — Infant Formula
Hazard: cronobacter-sakazakii
salmonella-newport
Affected units: 40,943

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 41 recalled by Abbott Laboratories under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 41 products in this recall →

Same manufacturer · Abbott Laboratories

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Same hazard · cronobacter sakazakii