Baby Formula recalled February 2022. Photo: Canadian Government Recalls and Safety Alerts

By Cathy Gibson

Baby formula recalled

Feb 22, 2022 | 3:50 PM

Lethbridge, AB — Parents are being warned to check their baby formula, as several lots of powered baby formula have been recalled.

Some Abbott brands — including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare — are being recalled because of potential salmonella and other microbial contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the contaminated products may not look or smell spoiled, but they can still cause serious infections.

The affected products were sold across Canada, and have an expiry date of April 1, 2022 or later. The specific lot numbers affected can be found on the Canadian government’s recalls and safety alerts website.

Abbott issued the recall due to possible contamination from
Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii.

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The CFIA says Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections, especially for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Long-term complications can include arthritis, and even healthy people can experience fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Cronobacter sakazakii does not usually cause illness, but in rare cases, it can cause serious or even fatal infections in the bloodstream and central nervous system. It has also been linked to severe intestinal infections and blood poisoning, especially in newborns.

If you have Similac products with the contaminated lot numbers, the CFIA says you should not consume it. Throw it in the garbage or return it to the location where you bought it.

If you suspect that you or your child has become sick after consuming the affected products, contact your doctor.

There have been cases of reported illness caused by these contaminated products in the United States, but CIFA said as of February 17, 2022, none have been reported in Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting an investigation to ensure the contaminated products are being removed from store shelves.

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