Shoppers Drug Mart forced to recall Abbott powdered baby formula products
There is a baby food recall involving Shoppers Drug Mart.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the original recall in February, but some units were sold online after the fact.
Shoppers Drug Mart has removed specific Abbott brand powdered infant formula products off its shelves because of potential salmonella contamination.
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“Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” the CFIA wrote.
“Although Cronobacter sakazakii is not commonly linked to human illness, in rare cases, it can cause serious or fatal infections.”
The Abbott products include:
- Similac Advance Step 1 — Milk-Based Iron-Fortified Infant Formula Powder (964 g)
- Similac Advance Step 2 — Milk-Based Iron-Fortified and Calcium-Enriched Infant Formula Powder (964 g)
- Similac Alimentum Step 1 — Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder (400 g)
- Similac Advance Step 2 — Milk-Based Iron-Fortified and Calcium-Enriched Infant Formula Powder (658 g)
Canadian health inspectors are cautioning against the consumption and use of these products while urging retailers not to sell, serve, or distribute the recalled infant formulas.
The CFIA says it is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.
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“Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections,” the CFIA wrote.
“Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.”
On June 9, the Government of Canada issued an update on baby formula deficiencies, saying there is no current shortage of regular infant formula in Canada.
“However, there is a shortage of infant formulas for infants with food allergies and certain medical conditions,” government officials said. “This includes extensively hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas.”
The CFIA says extensively hydrolyzed formulas are generally used for mild to moderately severe allergies. Common brand names include Nutramigen A+, Nutramigen A+ LGG, Pregestimil A+ and Similac Alimentum.
