The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says several Abbott brand powdered infant formula products sold across the country are being recalled because of possible microbial contamination.
According to the CFIA, Abbott is recalling several of its Similac powdered infant formulas due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii and salmonella contamination.
A list of the recalled products, which have been sold nationally, can be found here.
Anyone who has the recalled products should throw them out or return them to the location where they were purchased. The products should not be consumed.
The CFIA said that anyone who thinks they became sick from consuming a recalled product should call their doctor.
Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick, the CFIA said.
While it isn’t commonly linked to human illnesses, in rare cases Cronobacter sakazakii can cause serious or fatal infections.
“Cronobacter sakazakii can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns,” said the CFIA.
The agency said food contaminated with salmonella also may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.
“Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections.
“Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.”
The recall was triggered by a recall across the border, following four reported illnesses in the U.S. linked to these products.
There have been no reported illnesses in Canada associated with consuming these products, CFIA said.
The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. The agency is also verifying that the recalled products are removed from the marketplace.
