Similac Recall Issued After Insects Found in Infant Formula

Contaminated Similac baby formula may cause toxic food poisoning or other health risks for infants

Possible insect contamination has led to a powdered Similac recall in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and in some countries in the Caribbean. 

The Similac recall was announced on Thursday by FDA and Abbott, the manufacturer, after an internal quality review discovered that the formula could be contaminated by small beetles. Infants who consume beetle-infested Similac could suffer gastrointestinal discomfort from the beetles or their larvae and also may refuse to eat as a result. However, the FDA has determined that the infants would not be in any immediate health risk of food poisoning.

The Similac problems were found in one section of one unnamed manufacturing facility, according to Abbott. The company has announced that it is putting in place a plan to address the beetles problem soon. No other facilities were affected by the recall and there have been no reports of illnesses from infants who consumed Similac affected by the recall.

The recall affects certain Similac brand powder infant formulas in plastic containers and offered in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans. Abbott has not released a list of the specific brands and lot numbers affected, instead requiring parents to visit the company’s website to type in the lot numbers of their Similac products to see if they are affected by the powdered formula recall.

The company has not said how much Similac is affected by the recall, but told investors that it expects approximately $100 million in sales returns. In addition, it appears likely the company may face toxic baby formula lawsuits by families of babies diagnosed with gastrointestinal injuries.

Consumers who wish to know whether their Similac is affected by the recall should go to the company’s website at www.similac.com/recall where they can input the lot numbers, which are located on the bottom of the plastic tubs or cans. They can also call the company’s 24-hour hotline at 1(800)986-8850.

Update on Contaminated Enfamil and Lawsuits

In December 2011, Mead Johnson experienced problems with Enfamil contaminated with bacteria surfaced, which caused illnesses involving Chronobacter bacteria.

Nearly a decade later, a number of families are now pursuing an Enfamil lawsuit or Similac lawsuit on behalf of premature infants who developed a severe gastrointestinal condition known as necrotizing enterocoloitis (NEC), after being fed the cow’s milk formula in the hospital or NICU.