Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In short, the recalled baby formula may not have been responsible for the illness and deaths of the babies. The findings, thus far, suggest that the baby formula was not responsible. Abbott’s tweeted description is more clear than the CDC statement. They seem to suggest that it was from the water used: “The one positive was from an open container from the home of the infant, and it tested positive for two different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii… one of which matched the strain that caused the infant’s infection, and the other matched a strain found on a bottle of distilled water in the home used to mix the formula. Again, neither strain matched strains found in our plant.”

From the US CDC:
“On February 10, 2022, CDC was notified of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) investigation of consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition in Sturgis, Michigan.

The most recent investigation details are summarized below:

From September 16, 2021, to January 5, 2022, CDC received reports of three Cronobacter cases in infants that were later found to be included in FDA’s ongoing investigation. On February 16, 2022, CDC asked clinicians and state and local health departments to provide information on other Cronobacter infections associated with infant formula from November 2020 through the present. Since then, CDC has identified one additional case of Cronobacter infection in an infant who consumed formula produced at this facility.

* Four infants with Cronobacter infections in Minnesota (1), Ohio (2), and Texas (1) consumed formula produced at the Sturgis, Michigan, facility before they got sick.
* Formula types included Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-total Comfort, Similac Advance, and Similac PM 60/40.
* Cronobacter infections may have contributed to the deaths of two infants in Ohio.

CDC performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on Cronobacter bacteria isolated from two available patient samples to compare them with environmental samples taken at the facility to determine if there is any relation. https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dfwed/keyprograms/tracking-foodborne-illness-wgs.html

At this time, CDC has completed laboratory testing for the two available patient samples.

The analysis performed by WGS did not find these samples from patients to be closely genetically related to the multiple strains of Cronobacter found in the environmental samples obtained from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Furthermore, WGS showed that bacteria from available patient samples were not closely related to one another.

During the course of this investigation, FDA collected additional product samples from the facility and FDA analysis is ongoing.

FDA received one complaint of an infant with a Salmonella infection who consumed infant formula from the Sturgis facility. However, there is not enough information available to definitively link this illness to the recalled infant formula. CDC confirmed that this single Salmonella illness is not linked to an outbreak. CDC is working with state and local partners to monitor for Salmonella illnesses linked to infant formula”. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022#recalled

Abbott News Statement: “CDC concluded its investigation with no findings of a link between our formulas and infant illnesses. We conduct microbiological testing on products prior to distribution and no Abbott formula distributed to consumers tested positive for Cronobacter or Salmonella. [3/11] All retained product tested by Abbott and the FDA during the inspection of the facility came back negative for Cronobacter and/or Salmonella. No Salmonella was found at the Sturgis facility. [4/11] The Cronobacter sakazakii that was found in environmental testing during the investigation was in non-product contact areas of the facility and has not been linked to any known infant illness. [5/11] Genetic sequencing on the two available samples from ill infants did not match strains of Cronobacter in our plant. Samples from ill infants did not match each other, meaning there was no connection between the two cases. [6/11] In all four cases, the state, FDA, and/or CDC tested samples of the Abbott formula that was used by the child. In all four cases, all unopened containers tested negative. [7/11] Open containers from the homes of the infants were also tested in three of the four cases; two of the three tested negative. The one positive was from an open container from the home of the infant, and it tested positive for two different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii… [8/11] …one of which matched the strain that caused the infant’s infection, and the other matched a strain found on a bottle of distilled water in the home used to mix the formula. Again, neither strain matched strains found in our plant. [9/11] The infants consumed four different types of our formula made over the course of nearly a year and the illnesses took place over several months in three different states. [10/11] The formula from this plant did not cause these infant illnesses. [11/11]” https://twitter.com/AbbottNews/status/1525191090311254017

The US Congress is doing a hearing and/or investigation of the baby formula shortage. Those who are interested can watch for it and for CDC-FDA updates. It’s absolutely stupid and inane to suggest, as some politicians have done, that this has anything to do with the recent US Defense bill, which includes “$9.05 billion to replenish US stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine through drawdown authority”. The CDC, FDA and the WIC program (which pays for half of the baby formula used in the USA) have been funded. An invading army, because we lack defense, isn’t going to help the baby formula crisis – on the contrary. The US is closer to mainland Russia than Poland is! And, the US purchased Alaska from Russia. How easy do you think it is to get baby formula, if your country is invaded?

From the US CDC:
“Cronobacter and Powdered Infant Formula Investigation
Updated May 12, 2022
CDC’s investigation is closed. No additional cases have been identified as part of this investigation. CDC encourages health departments to continue reporting infant Cronobacter infections to CDC by emailing cronobacter@cdc.gov. Get updates about FDA’s investigation and learn more about Cronobacter prevention, including how to safely prepare and store powdered infant formula.

Fast Facts
* Illnesses: 4
* Deaths: 2
* States: 3 (Minnesota, Ohio, Texas)
* Recall: Yes
* Investigation status: Closed

Recalled Powdered Infant Formula
FDA has published a full list of recalled powdered infant formula https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022#recalled

Check any powdered infant formula you have at home to see if it has been recalled.
On February 28, 2022, Abbott Nutrition recalled one lot of Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. Review these codes on the bottom of the package to find out if the product you have is included in this recall. Parents and caregivers can also enter their product lot code on the company’s website to check if it is part of the recall. The Similac PM 60/40 recall is in addition to other lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formula that were recalled on February 17, 2022.

* The February 28 recall was made after a report of the death of an infant with a Cronobacter sakazakii infection who consumed Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula from this lot.
*
Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formula products recalled on February 17 have all three of these conditions:
* First two digits of the code are 22 through 37, AND
* on the container contains “K8,” “SH,” or “Z2,” AND
* Use-by date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, review product lot code on the bottom of the package. See the full list of recalled products on FDA’s consumer advisory page https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022#622f1cc391bf6

Advice for Parents and Caregivers
Do not feed your baby any recalled powdered formula.
* If you feed your baby with other types of Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula:
* Check for the lot code 27032K800 that is included in the expanded recall. At this time, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) is the only type and lot of this specialty formula being recalled.
* To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, review the product lot code on the bottom of the package and enter it on Abbott Nutrition’s website.
* If you feed your baby with other types of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula:
*  Check to see if your powdered formula is recalled using one of these three ways:
* Compare the lot code and use-by date on the bottom of the package to the recall information.
* Visit Abbott Nutrition’s website
 and type in the code on the bottom of the package.
* Call 1-800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided.
*
* If you have any recalled powdered formula, immediately stop feeding it to your baby and return it for a refund at the store where you bought it. You can also return it to Abbott Nutrition.
* If you can’t find the code on the powdered formula package, do not use it.
* Parents and caregivers should never dilute powdered infant formula (by adding more water than recommended or another solvent to it) and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.
* Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the United States. This formula could be counterfeit. https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/questions-answers-consumers-concerning-infant-formula#10
* 
—for example, it may have fake labels to misrepresent the quality or identity of a formula, the product may not have the proper nutrients or ingredients to feed your baby, or it might have a fake label with a wrong use-by date.
* If you get infant formula through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should take it to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. WIC recipients should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more guidance.
*
* Also see:
* Information for WIC participants and state agencies
https://www.fns.usda.gov/ofs/infant-formula-safety
*
* WIC Infant Formula Recall Waivers | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
https://www.fns.usda.gov/resource/WIC-Infant-Formula-Recall-Waivers
*
* Toll-Free Numbers for WIC State Agencies
* https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/toll-free-numbers-wic-state-agencies
* USDA Contact Map
https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts/contact-map
*
* Check FDA’s consumer advisory page for additional information
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022#additional
* 
if your baby receives medical specialty infant formula.
* Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if:
* Your baby has symptoms of Cronobacter illness (fever and poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy).
* Your regular formula is not available, and you need recommendations on other ways to feed your baby.
*
* Symptoms
* The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants (0–1 year old) is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, excessive crying, or very low energy. Some infants may also have seizures. Infants with these symptoms should be seen by a medical provider as soon as possible.
* Cronobacter bacteria can cause a dangerous blood infection (sepsis) or make the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord swell (meningitis). Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. Infants 2 months of age and younger are most likely to develop meningitis if they are infected with Cronobacter.
*
* What Healthcare Providers/Laboratories Should Do
* If a Cronobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory culture, CDC encourages clinicians and laboratories to inform their local or state health department.
* Cronobacter can be detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with meningitis or sepsis caused by these bacteria. Cronobacter bacteria grow on routine culture media and microbiological laboratories can detect Cronobacter from blood or CSF samples.
* CDC does not recommend testing infants for Cronobacter infection unless they have symptoms of meningitis or sepsis, even if they consumed recalled formula.
* CDC does not recommend testing stool for Cronobacter. Cronobacter infection does not typically cause diarrhea in infants.
* CDC does not recommend testing formula for Cronobacter contamination unless an infant has a diagnosed Cronobacter infection.

Please contact your local or state health department if your child has been diagnosed with Cronobacter infection and consumed recalled formula.

Description of Cases
On February 10, 2022, CDC was notified of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) investigation of consumer complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott Nutrition in Sturgis, Michigan.

The most recent investigation details are summarized below:

From September 16, 2021, to January 5, 2022, CDC received reports of three Cronobacter cases in infants that were later found to be included in FDA’s ongoing investigation. On February 16, 2022, CDC asked clinicians and state and local health departments to provide information on other Cronobacter infections associated with infant formula from November 2020 through the present. Since then, CDC has identified one additional case of Cronobacter infection in an infant who consumed formula produced at this facility.

* Four infants with Cronobacter infections in Minnesota (1), Ohio (2), and Texas (1) consumed formula produced at the Sturgis, Michigan, facility before they got sick.
* Formula types included Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-total Comfort, Similac Advance, and Similac PM 60/40.
* Cronobacter infections may have contributed to the deaths of two infants in Ohio.

CDC performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on Cronobacter bacteria isolated from two available patient samples to compare them with environmental samples taken at the facility to determine if there is any relation. https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dfwed/keyprograms/tracking-foodborne-illness-wgs.html

At this time, CDC has completed laboratory testing for the two available patient samples.

The analysis performed by WGS did not find these samples from patients to be closely genetically related to the multiple strains of Cronobacter found in the environmental samples obtained from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Furthermore, WGS showed that bacteria from available patient samples were not closely related to one another. During the course of this investigation, FDA collected additional product samples from the facility and FDA analysis is ongoing.

FDA received one complaint of an infant with a Salmonella infection who consumed infant formula from the Sturgis facility. However, there is not enough information available to definitively link this illness to the recalled infant formula. CDC confirmed that this single Salmonella illness is not linked to an outbreak. CDC is working with state and local partners to monitor for Salmonella illnesses linked to infant formula.

About Cronobacter
Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria found naturally in the environment and can live in very dry places. The bacteria can live in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Cronobacter infection is not reportable in most states, meaning doctors are not required to report cases to their health department. Cronobacter illnesses are rare, but when infections happen, they can be deadly for infants. CDC typically receives reports of 2 to 4 infections in infants per year, but the total number of cases that occur in the United States each year is not known.

How Cronobacter Bacteria Can Spread
* At a production factory, Cronobacter bacteria could get into formula powder if contaminated raw materials are used to make the formula or if the formula powder touches a contaminated surface in the manufacturing environment.
* Powdered infant formula could also become contaminated at home or elsewhere after the container is opened. For example, Cronobacter bacteria could get into the formula if formula lids or scoops are placed on contaminated surfaces and later touch the formula or if the formula is mixed with contaminated water or in a contaminated bottle. See more information on how to safely prepare and store powdered infant formula.
See Also
* FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) | FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022
* Abbott Recall Notice: US/Puerto Rico https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html
*
* Cronobacter Infection and Infants
https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/infection-and-infants.html
*
* CDC Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Infographic pdf icon
[PDF – 1 page] https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/pdfs/outbreak-infographic.pdf

Page last reviewed: May 12, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) , Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/infant-formula.html
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022