Baby formula recall expands

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its food recall for Abbott Nutrition’s baby food products on Monday after one child died following an infection caught after consuming one of the company’s products.

The FDA said that a bacterial infection that developed after one patient consumed an Abbott Nutrition product may have contributed to their death.

“As of February 28, CDC has announced one additional illness of Cronobacter sakazakii with exposure to powdered infant formula produced at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Cronobacter infection may have been a contributing cause of death for this patient,” said the agency.

“The most recent patient was reported to have consumed Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 product with the lot code 27032K800 prior to Cronobacter sakazakii infection.”

Abbott Nutrition has issued a voluntary recall of its Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula with the lot code 27032K800. Products from this lot code were distributed to the U.S. and Israel.

In a statement, Abbott Nutrition said recently retained samples of its Similac PM 60/40 products with the lot numbers 27032K80 and 27032K800 have tested negative for Cronobacter.

“This case is under investigation, and at this time the cause of the infant’s Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined. We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family,” said the company.

Four cases of Cronobacter sakazakii, a form of bacteria often found in dry food products that can cause severe illness in young infants, were discovered by the FDA’s investigation into Abbott Nutrition, as well as one case of salmonella in mid-February. The company issued a voluntary recall of these products from this lot.