Infant formula manufacturer Abbott has recalled some of its Similac products that were distributed in the Caribbean, including on St. Thomas and St. Croix, due to faulty bottle caps that could cause the contents to spoil, the company announced in a press release.
“These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage. If the spoiled product is consumed, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur,” the company stated.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically, Abbott has recalled the 2 fluid ounce/59 ml bottles of its Similac 360 Total Care product with lot numbers 39480N200 and 420395E00.
According to Abbott, the voluntary recall of certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 ml bottles of ready-to-feed liquid products also includes the brands Similac Pro-Total Comfort, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Special Care 24, Similac Stage 1, Similac Water (Sterilized), Similac NeoSure, and Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution.
The products were manufactured at the company’s Columbus, Ohio, facility and distributed primarily to hospitals, doctor offices, distributors, and some retailers in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, the company said. A limited number of products were sent to Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and certain countries in the Caribbean, the release stated.
Following are the 2 fluid ounce ready-to-feed liquid products included in the recall:
U.S. — certain lots of Similac 360 Total Care, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Special Care 24, Similac Pro-Total Comfort, Similac NeoSure, Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution
Canada — 1 lot of Pedalyte Electrolyte Solution; 1 lot of Similac Water (Sterilized)
Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica — 1 lot of Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
Puerto Rico, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Haiti, St. Thomas, St. Croix — 1 lot of Similac 360 Total Care
Panama — 2 lots of Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Dominican Republic — 1 lot of Similac Stage 1
Colombia — 1 lot of Similac Stage 1
“It’s important to note that not all recalled products were distributed in all countries and not all 2 fluid ounce/59 ml formulas are included in the recall,” the company said in its release. “It is therefore important to verify the product lot number on the bottom or the side of the bottle.” All of the affected lot numbers may be viewed on Abbott’s recall website.
The recall is the second this year to affect the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In February, Abbott recalled certain Similac brand formulas after learning of the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, after consuming Similac PM 60/40.
“This case is under investigation, and at this time the cause of the infant’s Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined. We want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family,” the company said at the time.
The February recall and subsequent investigation caused a nationwide shortage of infant formula as Abbott shut down its manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan, which was linked to the contamination. The facility restarted production in August, and was expected to start shipping formula in late September or early October, Abbott said.
For more information on the latest recall, contact Abbott’s Consumer Relations hotlines at 340-690-7222 on St. Croix and 340-690-7222 on St. Thomas.
