Abbott Nutrition has initiated a voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand powdered infant formulas in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and some other Caribbean countries due to a concern about quality found in a Sturgis, Michigan plant during an internal review. The company detected the remote possibility that there was the presence of a small common beetle indigenous to houses, office buildings and grocery stores in formula produced in one production area.

Consumers Must Visit Similac Website for Specific Lot Numbers Included in Recall

According to the company, two consumers have initiated reports of contamination, but according to spokeswoman Melissa Brotz, “the decision to recall the products was made in advance” of the complaints. "When we identified this, we did extensive testing of every product on the (factory) line, and more than 99.8 percent of the product was negative" for beetle contamination, she said.

The recall includes powdered infant formula sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 9-ounce (227 gram), 12.4-ounce (352 gram) and 12.9 ounce (366 gram). For specific lot numbers involved, the company asks consumers to visit www.similac.com/recall/lookup and type in the lot number found on the bottom of the cans they possess to determine if their product is affected.


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Consumers may also call Abbott’s consumer hotline at (800) 986-8850 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated infant formulas are not involved in the recall. Specialty brands such as Similac Expert Care, Alimentum, Elecare, Similac Expert Care Neosure, Similac Human Milk Fortifier, and metabolic formulas for inherited disorders are also part of the recalled products.

While the formula is not likely to pose an immediate health risk, infants who consume formula containing beetles or their larvae could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort as a result of the insect parts irritating the GI tract, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers with recalled product are advised to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. A form is also available to return the product to Abbott Nutrition and a reimbursement will be mailed in 4 to 6 weeks.