Department of Health Alerts the Public and Businesses about Similac Brand Infant Formula Recall

US Virgin Islands — The Department of Health is advising the public and businesses to check the lot numbers on the bottom of cans of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas after the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory to not use these powdered infant formulas with the lot numbers below.

According to the recall information, the FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

• the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
• the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

The code is printed on the product packaging near the expiration date (see product image below – photos are also available in link above). This information is available at: FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) | FDA Parents are advised to monitor their children for signs and symptoms of fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or irritability. Parents are advised to This information is available at: FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) | FDA

Parents are advised to monitor their children for signs and symptoms of fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or irritability. Parents are advised to take the child to their pediatrician, urgent care center, or emergency room if these symptoms arise after drinking the identified formula recall.

These products were found in the VI at the time of this release, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been collaborating with associated vendors, who have pulled the affected lots off the shelves. The USDA and WIC are collaborating with vendors and WIC recipients to try and resolve the formula provision over the weekend.

WIC received responses that stores have removed the affected products. This, however, means a lower inventory of the products. WIC and the vendors are currently meeting with USDA about this and working with the stores to provide a plausible solution for WIC moms right now to cover the weekend.

WIC advises clients that a response will be forthcoming as to how to address the return of formula with the affected lot numbers. For now, they ask parents and businesses to check their cans accordingly and advises them to not use the affected product.