Similac Baby Formula Recalled Over Insect Contamination Fears

September 23, 2010 · Posted in Business finance 
Ayinde O. Chase – AHN News Editor

Abbott Park, IL, United States (AHN) – The maker of Similac brand powder formulas is recalling 5 million containers of the products sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. According to manufacturer Abbott, the products may contain a small beetle or larvae that could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.

The recall does not affect any liquid formulas or other Abbott brand products.

Abbott learned of the insect infestation last week in a section of a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, MI.

“We immediately shut down that one area and began an investigation,” said Abbott’s Melissa Brotz. “We’re in the process of resolving it now.” Abbott manufactures Similac at several U.S. sites.

The company reported it has been consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, which determined there was no “immediate health risk ” from the contamination. The recall of these powder infant formulas includes certain product lines offered in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce (227-gram), 12.4-ounce (352-gram) and 12.9-ounce (366-gram).

Similac is the best-selling infant formula in the U.S. The company boasted sales of $5.3 billion last year, however with the recall it expects to lose $100 million.

Shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 16 cents to $51.99.

Consumers who want to find out if a product in their possession is included in the recall can visit www.similac.com/recall and type in their lot number, or they can call (800) 986-8850.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

View full post on Economy, Business And Finance Stories



Comments

Leave a Reply




Powered by Yahoo! Answers