After issuing a recall for a series of lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare infant formulas because they may be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella, Abbott has expanded its recall to also include Similac PM 60/40 baby formula after learning of another infant death due to Cronobacter.

According to Abbott, the voluntary recall comes after an infant tested positive for Cronobacter after consuming the recalled Similac PM 60/40 infant formula.

Abbott said in a statement that it extends its “heartfelt sympathies to the family.”

The death is under investigation. The cause of the baby’s Cronobacter infection has not been determined, the company said.

In a statement on its website, Abbott said that no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter, including the recalled samples of Similac PM 60/40, which were produced at the company’s Sturgis, Michigan, facility.

The expanded recall affects lot number 27032K80 for cans and lot number 27032K800 for cases of the Similac PM 60/40 baby formula, which is a “specialty formula for certain infants who would benefit from lowered mineral intake,” reported USA Today.

The baby formula was not included in the initial recall from Abbott. It was distributed in the U.S. and Israel.

The initial recall included Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powder baby formulas that can be identified by the seven- to nine-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package if they have all three items below:

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

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating four reports of Cronobacter infections in infants and one complaint of a Salmonella infection. All five reports resulted in hospitalization, with two confirmed deaths that may have been caused by Cronobacter.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe and life-threatening infections in infants, including meningitis inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis can include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements, the FDA said.

If your baby experiences any symptoms of Cronobacter, seek immediate medical attention.

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