FDA Reportedly Continues To Seize European Baby Formula Amid Shortage, Dont meet FDA labeling requirements (such as formula-preparation instructions in English, specific labeling on iron content, or instructions on how to store the product), Require less water per scoop than US formulas, Might need different temperature conditions for storage, Dont have a system to notify US consumers of recalls, Coordinating with European regulatory authorities on recalls, Providing English-language instructions (already offered by some European formula importers), Explaining European health and safety standards, AAP Lowers Age Recommendation For Cows Milk, Harmful DIY Baby Formula Recipes Go Viral, Viral Post Mistakenly Blames US Formula Shortage on Ukraine Relief Shipments, Biden Administrations Measures For Addressing Formula Shortage, Cracking Down On Illegal Sellers For Unfair Market Practices & Price Gouging, Abbott Plans To Reopen Sturgis Plant Involved In Recall, The company plans to prioritize metabolic formulas like EleCare and. It was followed closely by the long-time number 2 baby formula brand in the US, Enfamil. (30), As promised by Biden and Nestle, Operation Fly Formula was able to bring the first batch of formulas (78,000 lbs) to supply specialty infant formula. It confirmed her suspicion that the first container wasnt baby formula. before starting or switching formulas, especially if theyve been recalled. (82), She even heated the baby bottles but realized that the consistency didnt look right. According to the spokesperson, they admitted babies to older children. (14)(15), Two shipments of Bubs formula from Australia brought 380,000 lbs of infant formula equivalent to approximately 4 million eight-ounce bottles. The case is still under investigation, with authorities trying to determine the cause of the infants, Abbott clarifies that distributed products in the recent recalls (Similac PM 60/40 and the previously recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas) all tested negative for the presence of, In February 2022, Similac recalled several powdered formulas for possible contamination with bacteria, specifically, The company issued the recall following reports of four hospitalized babies from bacterial infection, and one possible infant death due to, after allegedly drinking Similac formulas, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas, The first two digits of the codes are numbers from 22 to 37, The expiration date code is from 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later. "I have concern it's going to cause a setback," said Mallory Whitmore. (94), According to the FDA advisory, premature babies fed with this formula may have a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. The products from Abbott Nutritions Sturgis, Michigan facility have been distributed across the US and are likely to have been exported to other countries, the recall advisory warned. However, Enfamils increased production still couldnt fill in all the formulas the market needs as the shortage continues to worsen. It can also cause bowel damage and spread through the blood to other parts of the body. The following results are also from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report, too: (3), According to the Congressional Report, the company never responded to the Subcommittee. In a bipartisan hearing, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf faced Congress as they investigated the baby formula shortage. The FDA is now investigating the infant death which reportedly happened in January. (82), CVS Pharmacy issued a recall of all Enfamil formulas and removed the rest of the stocks off the shelves, even before Mead Johnson tested the possibly tampered formula. But they are important sources of vitamin A and other nutrients. It didnt look or smell like the formula she regularly bought for her baby. 855-948-5098 Blog 2022 April Gerber Lawsuit Toxic Heavy Metals Contact Us Today No Fees Unless We Win First Name Last Name Phone Email Are you a new client? (50), The division chief for Pediatrics at Spectrum Health, Dr. Hanna Jaworski, explained that cows milk could be a better option than watered-down formula. The FTC recommends doing the following to avoid getting scammed: (46), This can be tricky because the FDA has specific nutritional standards that differ from those followed by other places, including Canada and the European Union. (31). No other Enfamil products or ProSobee batches are affected. Unfortunately, they were unable to tolerate the new formulas and suffered from dehydration. (81), Enfamil didnt recall the formula. Released untested infant formula (after discarding contaminated samples), Lax practices in terms of keeping the place clean, Failed to take any corrective measures after learning that their testing procedures were deficient, An atmosphere of retaliation against employees raising concerns about unsafe company practices, Foster a culture of compliance to ensure they produce the highest quality baby formulas, Empower workers to identify and report issues that could compromise their products safety and quality, FDA Finds Safety Issues At Abbott Plant Involved In Formula Recalls, Failure to establish a process control system covering all the processing stages to ensure that the products dont become contaminated due to the presence of, bacteria and other microorganisms in the formula ingredients or its processing environment (66), Failure to maintain the sanitary conditions and cleanliness of surfaces that come in contact with the baby formula products, Plant history of eight instances of contamination (with, bacteria) from fall 2019 to February 2022, Unsanitary conditions (including leaking pipes, water on the floor, and dirt or other health hazards in some production areas), Some employees failed to properly sanitize their hands upon entering the production area, Debris (such as duct tape) and dirt in the floors of the production area, Several workers failed to properly sanitize their shoes upon entering the production area. They further explained that their routine tests found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plants non-product contact areas, but there wasnt evidence of Salmonella Newport. (96), Thankfully, there werent any illnesses or health incidents reported concerning this recall. Abbott Nutrition announced that production could restart in about two weeks (or by the end of May), subject to FDA approval. (75), Frydrychs husband tasted it and confirmed that it was flour. (43), While the nationwide out-of-stock rate was around 40% in April 2022, it soared to 50% in the following states: (44), Sometime in May, Nevada announced that its also experiencing a decrease of at least 50% of the states baby formula supply. Aside from these two children in Tennessee, at least three babies have been hospitalized in South Carolina because of intolerance after their parents or caregivers gave them other formulas due to the shortage. (87)(88), The retailers quickly recalled or pulled out Enfamil Premium Newborn products off their shelves as a precautionary measure. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. (46), Some of these scammers create fake social media accounts or websites mimicking recognizable formula brands but selling highly marked-up products. (87), So, despite the separate incidents involving the same formula, the FDA and CDC declared that there isnt any evidence that they were related. (83), In 2018, Chelsea Bellinger of Buckeye, Arizona, bought a possibly tampered formula. (22). (26), Some of the children suffered malnutrition due to homemade formula and other inappropriate substitutions. But did the new report lead to a recall of the affected Gerber baby foods? ** Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a group of prebiotics found in human milk, and 2'-FL is the most abundant found in breastmilk. (75)(76), She noticed that one of the containers had weird contents. The group pushes for a ban on buybacks, putting limits on shareholder dividends, and stricter antitrust enforcement. Another child was hospitalized due to mineral imbalances after taking formula mixed at home by their caregiver. It was done following the death of another infant who tested positive for. The recall worsened the formula shortage that was already affecting the US since 2021. (28). However, Abbott Nutrition estimates that it could take six to eight weeks before these formula products hit the shelves from the Sturgis plants reopening. These include several popular brand names. Aside from this measure, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is coordinating with different states to let WIC recipients buy available products (instead of only buying WIC-approved options). (4), According to the Subcommittee, the company provided them with a report declaring that each of the finished products meets criteria.. It accounts for 50% of US formula productions. this list to find the formula on your WIC benefits. This location was chosen because a Nestle distribution center is located just a mile away. The company will prioritize producing EleCare and other specialty or metabolic formulas for babies with severe food allergies or digestive problems. (1), Reckitt clarifies that all their distributed products have undergone extensive testing. (75), She prepared a new batch of formula the following morning, but her husband noticed that the contents immediately separated when they prepared a fresh bottle. However, according to a Bloomberg report, many arent doing it consistently. We trust these companies with our babies, and they have failed us., The following are the affected baby food products, based on test results submitted by the companies or third-party organizations: (4), The company declared to the Subcommittee that it doesnt test the finished products for heavy metal content. Formula dilution can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and brain swelling. This can give them more options than WIC-approved brands that could be unavailable due to a recall or shortage. (35), Califf reportedly sidestepped the lawmakers questions by replying that he couldnt share details of the FDAs ongoing investigation. (24), Danone SA, the makers of Aptamil based in Paris, France, announced that it has increased its formula shipments to help with the US shortage. But she wasnt sure what material was used to replace the formula. Gerber Introduces Plant-tastic The Brand's First Complete Range of Organic, Plant-Protein Foods April 21, 2022 Today, early childhood nutrition leader Gerber announced Plant-tastic, the brand's first complete range of organic-for-toddler, plant-protein foods. (75), After conducting separate investigations, Enfamil and Publix assured customers that it was an isolated incident. (24), At the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta in Georgia, an undisclosed number of children with complex medical issues have been hospitalized for malnutrition since February, shortly after the Abbott plant was closed. Instead of worrying about food recalls, preparing fresh and, Baby Brezza Small Baby Food Maker Set Cooker and Blender in One. The specialty formulas are being prioritized because theyre needed by children with cows milk protein allergies who cant just use regular formulas. She quickly dumped everything in the sink. (43). Did you know that exposure to toxic heavy metals can significantly affect your babys brain development? The following products (all lot codes) were included in the recall: (68). Abbott assures customers that all these products have been tested. (32), Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik also blamed the crisis on Bidens failed leadership. (33), As many as 192 Republican lawmakers voted against the measure. It sold all the tested items, whether they passed or failed. Check for local resources. Powdered baby formula identifiers in Feb. 18, 2022 recall. The shipments are but a small fraction of the US formula production. (47), Also, the US levies heavy tariffs on imported infant formula as high as 17.5%. So, when there are major disruptions to these companies supplies, including a massive recall, you can expect the formula supply in the market to be affected. (59). (89), The affected products were produced at a plant in Sturgis, Michigan. (68), Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage PRE; 0-6 months), Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Holle Bio Organic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Holle Goat Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Holle Goat Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Holle Goat Organic Toddler Formula (Stage 3; 10+ months), HiPP Dutch Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP Dutch Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage PRE Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (0-6 months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 6+ months), HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP German Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP German Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP UK Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), HiPP UK Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months), Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1, from birth), Kendamil Organic Follow on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months), HiPP Anti-Reflux Milk Formula (from birth): 1.06 mg, HiPP Dutch Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula, Stage 1 (6+ months): 1.01 mg, HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.43 mg, HiPP German Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Holle Bio Organic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.18 mg, Holle Goat Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Holle Goat Stage 3 Organic Toddler Formula, 10+ months: 1.52 mg, Lebenswert Anfangsmilch Organic Follow-on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.43 mg, HiPP UK Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.47 mg, Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula, Stage 1 (from birth): 1.10 mg, Kendamil Organic Follow on Milk Formula, Stage 2 (6+ months): 1.06 mg, But be sure to always seek your pediatricians advice.