Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Personal Injury Law Blogs -> New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

: New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

5 million containers of Similac infant formula recalled due to potential insect contamination

By Paul Napoli

September 22, 2010

Parents of infants using Similac infant formula should be aware that the manufacturer is recalling five million containers of the formula due to potential for beetles in the product, according to a report by Reuters.

Abbott Laboratories announced today that it is recalling certain lots of Similac power sold in plastic containers and Similac powder sold in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans. Abbott instituted the recall after an inspection of their Sturgis, Michigan facility found insects. Two consumers have reported insects in products purchased. According to the manufacturer, there is a remote possibility that these Similac products may contain a small common beetle or larvae.

The recall affects Similac infant formula products sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and parts of the Caribbean.

Parents or retailers can check if certain products are under recall by entering the lot number here. Concerned parents can also call 800-986-8850. However, NJ.com reports that consumers are having a difficult time verifying which products are under recall because the website lot checker is not working and the phone number is continually busy.

'The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract,' Abbot said. 'If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.'

Abbott liquid infant formulas are not under recall. Products not involved in the recall include all Abbott Nutrition liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated infant formulas and all powder and liquid specialty formulas, such as Similac Expert Care™ Alimentum®, Elecare ®, Similac Expert Care™ Neosure ®, Similac® Human Milk Fortifier, and metabolic formulas for inherited disorders.

"Abbott understands that parents expect to feed their children only the highest quality product. We are taking this action so that parents know that the infant formula products they provide unquestionably meet the highest quality standards for which they are known,' said Holger Liepmann, executive vice president of Abbott Nutrition. 'We regret any inconvenience this situation poses to parents and consumers."

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on September 22, 2010 (boomark / email).