Second Abbott milk product recalled in Singapore amid bacteria concerns: SFA
SINGAPORE — A second milk product made by Abbott Laboratories has been recalled by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in less than a week amid concerns over bacterial contamination.
The recall of Similac Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) comes after SFA said on Sunday (19 February) that it had directed the importer of the product to recall the Abbott Alimentum powdered infant formula.
SFA said on Wednesday that the recall for both affected products have been completed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has said it is working with Abbott Nutrition to initiate a recall of Abbott Alimentum from the US due to the possible presence of pathogenic bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.
Apart from Abbott Alimentum, two other types of Abbott baby formula that were made in the same factory – Similac and EleCare – have been recalled in the US after four children became ill with bacterial infections and one of them later died, according to media reports.
Cronobacter sakazakii infections are generally rare, and can cause meningitis or sepsis, with symptoms displayed by infants infected including fever, poor feeding or lethargy, SFA said. The bacterium is found in the environment that can survive dry conditions, such as infant formula and powdered milk, it added.
Salmonella Newport can cause gastrointestinal illness and lead to fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.
“Parents or caregivers who are concerned should stop using these products. They should seek medical assistance should their infants feel unwell after consuming the affected products,” SFA. They can reach out to the Singapore unit of Abbott Laboratories at 6278 6220 or email to family.sg@abbott.com for any clarification.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a separate statement to advise all public and private hospitals in Singapore to cease the use of the two products following the recall by SFA.
"MOH has also advised all public and private hospitals to be vigilant for Cronobacter infection or Salmonellosis among infants or young children who may have consumed products affected by the recall."
Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of use of the affected products in hospitals in Singapore.
To date, nine hospitals – Gleneagles Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, National University Hospital, Raffles Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and Thomson Medical Centre – have confirmed the use of the implicated products. MOH is working with the hospitals to identify and contact parents and caregivers of patients who might have received the products, to advise them accordingly.
"To date, the hospitals have not reported any case of adverse events arising from the consumption of these products. MOH will continue to monitor the situation closely."
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