Skip to main content

Recall of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare

The recall of powered infant formula applies to certain products, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan by Abbott. The recall is specific to certain lot numbers. To check these lot numbers and for more information, call (800) 986-8540.

At this time, Children’s Mercy is not able to provide home products or alternatives. If an alternative is needed, families may use:

  • Similac (standard product) alternatives: pre-mixed formula, store (generic) brand formula, Gerber, or Enfamil.
  • Alimentum alternatives: Nutramigen, Gerber HA, Pregestimil, or hypoallergic store brand formula. Requires prescription from Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
  • EleCare Infant/EleCare Jr. alternatives: Nestle Alfamino/Jr, Mead Johnson PurAmino/Jr. or Nutricia Neocate/Jr., EquaCare Jr. and Essential Care Jr. All require prescription; please contact your prescribing provider if prescription formula is needed.

During the shortage of infant formula, Children’s Mercy recommends:

  • Checking availability of infant formula at online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
  • Trying an alternate or generic brand formula. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) provides this list of possible substitutions.
  • Contacting your primary care provider if you are having difficulty.

Not recommended:

  • Dilution of formula
  • Homemade formula

Missouri WIC

  • If a WIC participant’s product is affected by the recall, it should not be used. Participants should call their WIC local agency for assistance. WIC local agency contact information is located on the Missouri WIC website at wic.mo.gov or on the WICShopper app. Participants can call (800) TEL-LINK for information on organizations providing assistance in purchasing formula that cannot be provided by WIC.
  • Missouri WIC has a new waiver to help participants exchange previously redeemed, recalled formula, even if the Abbott brand is unavailable at the store.
  • Typically, exchanges are not allowed but the waiver is in place permitting exchanges due to the Abbott formula recall.
  • WIC authorized retailers must treat all customers (including WIC participants) the same with regard to the recall exchange process of the formula and possible substitutes, which may include, but are not limited to:
    • The same brand (Abbott) in a different product, physical form, or unit size,
    • A substitute product in another brand,
    • A store credit, or
    • A cash refund.
  • WIC participants should talk to their retailer about the exchange.
  • Additionally, Missouri WIC is working to help participants receive formula benefits.
  • More information: wic.mo.gov or call TEL-LINK at (800) 835-5465.

Kansas WIC

  • This recall affects some of the Kansas WIC powder formulas.
  • Kansas WIC has a new waiver to help participants exchange previously-redeemed, recalled Abbott formula.
  • Like Missouri, the Kansas WIC Program has been granted waivers of the federal requirement that allows WIC authorized vendors to provide exchanges of recalled products purchased with WIC benefits.
  • WIC participants in Kansas should take the recalled formula to the store for exchange, replacement, or refund. This applies to both opened and unopened cans of formula.
  • Retailers should follow their own recall procedures and treat WIC participants the same as any other customer. Customers can exchange recalled formula for:
    • An exact of similar product that has not been recalled, or
    • a different form of the product (i.e., Ready-to-Feed instead of powder) or
    • a different container size (i.e., 23.3 oz tub instead of 12.4 oz can) of the same product, or
    • a different product (i.e., Similac 360 or Similac Pro products, Enfamil, Gerber Good Start, etc.), or
    • a store credit, or
    • a cash refund which may be in the form of a store electronic gift card.
  • In the short term, the Kansas WIC Program can and will issue and allow participants to purchase more formula brands such as Similac, Enfamil, Gerber Good Start, Nestle, Parents Choice, Always My Baby, etc. and more container sizes, and forms (powder, Ready-to-Feed, concentrate) of infant formula, including noncontract brand infant formulas while Abbott - Similac contracted products are not available.
  • Participants should contact their local WIC office with questions.

 

Please contact your health care provider if your child consumed product that was recalled and is experiencing poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, diarrhea or abnormal body movements.