If you use EleCare baby formula, then you need to check the labels. This formula is currently being recalled due to possible bacteria contamination.
Elecare baby formula is only available in Australia through a prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order. It is mostly used for infants who have allergies, short gut syndrome and intestinal issues.
Formula recall Australia
According to Abbott Australasia, the manufacturer of EleCare baby formula brand, products may be contaminated with Salmonella and Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause infections.
According to an Abbot Australia spokesperson,
The recall only impacts specific batches of EleCare in Australia. No other nutrition products – or Similac products – distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall.”
In Australia, two batches of EleCare are impacted by the recall:
- EleCare Unflavoured 400 g can (lot number: 26811Z200)
- EleCare LCP 400 g can (lot number: 27871Z202)
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At this stage, the recall is only a precautionary warning with no confirmed cases of illness in Australia.
However, it comes after the US Food and Drug Administration said three babies who had consumed Abbott baby formula products were hospitalised after contracting Cronobacter and it may have contributed to a death in one case.
How to locate the batch number
Formula codes on tins can be found here:
In a statement, Abbott USA said no distributed product has tested positive for either Cronobacter or Salmonella, however evidence of Cronobacter had been found in a “non-product contact area” at a manufacturing facility in the US.
Abbott’s executive vice president Joe Manning said the company was voluntarily recalling its products out of an abundance of caution.
What should parents do?
- If parents have EleCare, they should call 1800 225 311 or email Nu**********@ab****.com
to find out if they have impacted product. - Do not use the impacted product. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare professional about suitable, alternative feeding options.
- No other nutrition products distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall, and you can continue to use those.
What is the danger?
While the risk is very low, salmonella and Cronobacter can be serious in infants if not treated.
Salmonella may lead to fevers, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cronobacter bacteria can cause meningitis, sepsis and bowel damage, and while infections are rare, newborn babies are classed as high risk.
Both infections can be treated with antibiotics. If you do use these products, be mindful and watch out for symptoms, including
- Fever
- Crying
- Irritability
- Very low energy
- Poor feeding
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Blood in bowel movements
- Swollen abdomen
Never miss a product recall again
At Mum Central, we know how important it is to keep our kids safe. This is why we try to alert our readers when a product fails to comply with safety standards. Please have a read through our product safety recalls for other products that have recently been recalled including bikes, cots, bassinets and prams.
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