Infant recall

Within the past month, consumers of infant products have been warned of the dangers of using certain types of powdered formula and baby loungers. The US Food and Drug Administration has urged parents to review their purchased Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare containers for specific lot numbers and expiration dates, which fall under the Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility voluntary recall. In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned parents to stop using Leachco, Inc. items that include the Podster, Podster Plush, Bummzie, and Podster Playtime (the “Podsters”) infant loungers.

While Abbott has issued a recall, Leachco, Inc. is not willing to undergo a similar process. The urgency for parents to stop using the specified Leachco, Inc. products is not unprovoked, but rather, follows the investigation of two infant deaths, one that took place in January 2018 and the other in December 2015. In both cases, the infants passed away after changing their positions in the loungers and obstructing their noses and mouths on the fabric. About 180,000 Podsters have been sold to consumers; however, parents are warned to not use these Leachco, Inc. products for the purpose of infant sleep.

After learning of reports of infants suffering from Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections, the recall of the Abbott manufactured powdered formula was initiated. Four babies have fallen ill with the bacterial infections in three different states. Parents are asked to dispose of formula if the first two digits of the lot number are 22 through 37, the code includes K8, SH or Z2, and the expiration date is April 1, 2022 or later. Babies who may be impacted by contaminated formula may experience temperature changes, irritability, jaundice, sepsis, poor feeding, meningitis, and bowel damage. Concerned parents are advised to contact their child’s health care provider, who may suggest a switch to a similar type of powdered formula.