With a massive recall of infant formula underway, the USDA encouraged state and tribal officials on Wednesday to ensure that WIC recipients could exchange their recalled baby formula and use their WIC benefits to buy replacement products. Abbott, one of the leading makers of infant formula, announced a recall of three of its formula brands last week.
The Food & Drug Administration said it was investigating complaints of illness in four infants who reportedly consumed powdered infant formula manufactured at Abbott’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan. Foodborne illness “may have contributed to a death in one case,” said the FDA.
“We are committed to providing WIC participants with access to a variety of safe and healthy foods, including infant formula,” said Cindy Long, administrator of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The FNS said WIC agencies could request waivers of some regulations so they have flexibility in dealing with the recall.
Roughly 6 million women, infants, and children are enrolled in WIC, with average benefits of $43 a month, according to USDA data. WIC provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
The voluntary recall was for the Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare brands of powdered formula made at the Sturgis plant. “The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2, and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after,” said Abbott.