Worth mentioning: There is a large Similac powdered formula recall. It’s not dangerous, but gross. ICK. Ick, Ick, Ick.
The FDA announced today that Abbott (who makes the formula) voluntarily recalled formula due to concerns about bug contamination. Yup, bugs. Beetles and Beetle larvae in the powdered formula. The recall involves powdered formula made by Similac:
- Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.
- Certain Similac powder product lines offered in sizes such as 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
The recall states that babies could have a bit of tummy upset (GI distress) or refuse a bit of formula if they ate contaminated samples. I’m not worried at this point about harm or danger for infants drinking this formula. The stomach acid (& pH) and GI tract of a baby can likely handle this without any trouble. Instead, it’s a disgusting reminder that when we don’t make food ourselves, we remain vulnerable to companies who do, to keep and hold high standards of safety and hygiene.
If more information unfolds that is alarming or worrisome, I will update this post.
I read lots of reports on Twitter and online proclaiming this is a great reminder to breastfeed. I agree, offering breast milk will never involve a recall. But I will say this (and loudly): some of us had or have a difficult time making enough milk for our babies. Sometimes parents offer formula because they need to, not because they choose to. THIS IS NOT ANOTHER REASON TO FEEL GUILTY. Just a reason to check your can of formula if you have Similac lying around and follow recall instructions. Don’t let this shake you.
Online sources of information about the formula recall:
- Call 1-800-986-8850 for questions, recall information, and rebates. (Open 7 days week/24 hours a day)
- Similac’s website on the recall (although hasn’t been working for me between 5pm and 10pm tonight).
- FDA announcement of the recall.
- Nice photos and concise recall summary on NPR Shots Blog to help you determine if your can of Similac should be tossed out.
Call your pediatrician with any further questions, although I doubt you’ll need to.
Thoughts?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Update 8am 9/23:
Similac website still not working well this morning.
The phone lines (above number) are also tied up.
IT IS NOT DANGEROUS to switch to another brand of formula today if you are worried the formula you have in your home is involved in the recall. You can purchase another brand of standard cow’s milk formula for your baby and they will do well. You can easily go back to Similac later if you choose to do so.
HereWeGoAJen says
Thanks for that lovely reminder that not everyone who uses formula is making a choice. I have several friends who haven’t had that choice because of some reason or another. One of my friends just wrote a beautifully written post on being more sensitive towards formula feeding. Here it is: https://www.stirrup-queens.com/2010/09/breast-is-not-best/ And her follow up post: https://www.stirrup-queens.com/2010/09/breast-bitch/
Isabelle says
It is nice to see you remind people that parents who use formula are not inherently evil bad parents, and there are many valid reasons for using formula. I breastfed as long as I could but eventually like you said I could not keep up with demand and am happy I have good formula options. I’d prefer it not come with beetle larvae but… I’m going to consider it an early broadening of her palate! Also, because both major brands of formula tout different benefits we have been switching back and forth between the two (just in case, who knows) and baby is totally fine. Babies are not burdened with brand allegiance, they just want to eat and thrive and be happy! Thanks for such a fun and helpful blog. Much appreciated!
Jessie says
Thanks for this post – as a working mother I couldn’t breastfeed as long as I would have liked to and had to give formula to my daughter starting around 6 months. I always feel guilty about it and feel like there is a lot of pressure to make parents feel guilty for not breastfeeding exclusively. I realize your post wasn’t intended to be a statement about breastfeeding, but I really appreciated your notes to mothers about not feeling guilty that they do give formula 😉
Vera says
I wholeheartedly agree (and have blogged on this topic too https://verassong.blogspot.com/2009/04/support-your-local-mom.html
This recall made me THANKFUL that I am able to breastfeed. It is really about the only part of getting pregnant, staying pregnant, having babies that worked the way it was supposed to with my body and came relatively easily to me. I know many are not so lucky, and I am truly thankful that I have been blessed with a good milk supply and an easy time nursing. This recall got me thinking about how many ways we have to trust companies with the health and safety of our children. And though I am thankful that formula is NOT one of those areas for us, I got to thinking about all of the other areas – we trust crib manufacturers not to make cribs that entrap our babies, toy makers not to use lead based paint, pharmaceutical companies to use safe vaccine ingredients, etc. etc. etc. There is just nothing we can do but TRUST – because we can’t go tour all of the factories and laboratories! And we SHOULD be able to trust those companies, and so absolutely no mom should feel guilty when something like this happens. Baby formula is MADE to be fed to babies, and if I did have to give my baby formula, I would make that leap of faith that it was safe (and sanitary!)
Viki says
+1 for taking this opportunity to share info but also cut mamas a break. My kids are intolerant to dairy, soy, and corn. There is no formula that meets that criteria. Even Neocate elemental formula put my baby’s stomach in a knot. Formula would have been a huge relief when I was working. I nursed through mastitis, thrush, and cracked & bleeding nipples. Take your pick: beetle larvae or nanny requesting latex gloves to feed your child the PINK milk you left in the fridge?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Thanks for all the comments and links! Appreciate your reading and support. And of course, all of your thoughts.
Switching between formulas is anti-brand alliegance—love it!
Erin says
Thank you for reminding us to not let the Similac recall be another reason to feel guilty. I’m a new mom and haven’t been able to exclusively breastfeed like I wanted….something that has caused me tons of heartache and guilt! Just when I seem to have come to terms with my situation, something else re-ignites my guilt….including the formula bottle that reminds me everyday that “breastfeeding is recommended” (as though I’m not already painfully aware).
So thanks for the little piece of encouragement.