Similac 60-40.
The V.I. Dept. of Health announced Sunday that the Food and Drug Administration added Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) to the list of infant formulas being recalled. This recall is separate from the infant formula recall last month, D.O.H. said.
According to the release, Similac PM 60/40 is a specialty product tailored to infants with specific nutrition needs and is not widely used in the Virgin Islands nor is it part of the V.I. WIC program. "If your child normally consumes this product, please discontinue its use," D.O.H. said. "Parents are further advised to take their child to their pediatrician, urgent care center, or the emergency room if the child experiences any signs and symptoms of fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or irritability after drinking the formula identified in this recall."
Presently, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) are the only type and lots of this specialty formula being recalled, the health department said. Powdered Abbott products that don’t have the code and expiration date noted above are not included in the recall. Liquid formula products are also not subject to this recall.
The recall last month involving Abbott Nutrition was for certain powdered infant formula products produced at its Sturgis, Michigan facility. The FDA is investigating consumer complaints of bacterial infections in five infants who consumed powdered infant formula produced in that Abbott Nutrition’s facility. All five infants had to be hospitalized and the bacterial infection may have contributed to death in two patients.
D.O.H. reminded Virgin Islanders of the previous recall and urged residents to remain vigilant when using certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products. These products have been recalled and should not be used, the department stressed.
It is recommended that consumers look at the lot code, a multidigit number on the bottom of a container of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula and do not use if:
- The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37
- The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2
- The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
For additional information, concerned consumers are advised to enter the product lot code on the website here to check if it is part of the recall.
The health department said it understands and shares the concerns parents and caregivers may have.
