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Singapore

MOH SAYS 9 HOSPITALS USED INFANT FORMULA THAT MAY BE CONTAMINATED; NO BAD
OUTCOMES REPORTED SO FAR

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MOH SAYS 9 HOSPITALS USED INFANT FORMULA THAT MAY BE CONTAMINATED; NO BAD
OUTCOMES REPORTED SO FAR

SINGAPORE — Nine hospitals have confirmed that they used batches of Abbott brand
infant formula products that might have been contaminated with bacteria, though
none of the hospitals has reported any “adverse events” to date, the Ministry of
Health (MOH) said.

Singapore Food Agency/Facebook Some batches of Abbott Similac Alimentum powdered
infant formula (left) and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (right) have been
recalled by the Singapore Food Agency.
 * Nine hospitals have confirmed the use of two formula milk products
 * To date, none have reported any bad outcomes 
 * The products are certain batches of Abbott Similac Alimentum powdered infant
   formula and Similac Human Milk Fortifier
 * The Singapore Food Agency has completed the recall of the affected products
 * Parents and caregivers who have bought the affected batches should stop using
   them and seek medical attention if their infants are unwell

By

DARYL CHOO

By Daryl Choo
Published February 23, 2022
Updated February 23, 2022
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SINGAPORE — Nine hospitals have confirmed that they used batches of Abbott brand
infant formula products that might have been contaminated with bacteria, though
none of the hospitals has reported any “adverse events” to date, the Ministry of
Health (MOH) said.

In a statement on Wednesday (Feb 23), MOH advised parents and caregivers of
infants who have bought affected batches of the two products — Abbott Similac
Alimentum powdered infant formula and Similac Human Milk Fortifier — to stop
using them immediately. 


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The ministry is also working with the hospitals to identify and contact parents
and caregivers of patients who might have received the affected products.

It advised parents and caregivers to seek medical assistance should their
infants feel unwell after consuming the milk products.

The nine hospitals that have confirmed that they used the affected batches are:

 * 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
 * Thomson Medical Centre

READ ALSO

ABBOTT LABORATORIES TO RECALL SOME BATCHES OF ALIMENTUM INFANT FORMULA DUE TO
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA, OTHER BACTERIA



MOH’s statement came after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) directed the
importer, Abbott Laboratories, to recall the affected products due to possible
contamination with the Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport bacteria.

The affected batches of the Abbott products originate from the United States and
can be identified by the lot number and expiry date indicated at the bottom of
the packaging. 


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The first two digits of the code are “22”  through to “37”. The code on the
container also contains “K8”, “SH” or “Z2” and the expiration date is on April
1, 2022 or later. This applies to both the infant formula and the human milk
fortifier supplement.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of use of the implicated
products in hospitals, MOH added.

It is advising all public and private hospitals to be vigilant for Cronobacter
infection or Salmonellosis among infants or young children who may have consumed
the affected products.

Symptoms of Cronobacter infection include:

 * Fever
 * Crying
 * Poor feeding
 * Lethargy seizures

READ ALSO

TOHATO CARAMEL CORN SNACK RECALLED OVER PRESENCE OF UNDECLARED ALMOND ALLERGEN



Symptoms of Salmonella infection include: 


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 * Diarrhoea
 * Fever 
 * Abdominal cramps
 * Aches 
 * Headaches
 * Lethargy 
 * Rash 
 * Blood in urine or stools

Both infections can be treated by antibiotics, MOH said.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, SFA said that the recall of the two
products is completed.

The recall was first announced last Saturday, after the US Food and Drug
Administration issued a notification that it was working with Abbott Nutrition
to initiate a voluntary recall of the Alimentum powdered infant formula. 

The US authorities are investigating the consumer complaints of infections
reportedly linked to the consumption of the product.

RARE BUT POTENTIALLY FATAL


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READ ALSO

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RISE



Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium found in the environment that can survive
dry conditions, such as dry food that may be infant formula and powdered milk.
It cannot be spread from person to person.

Cronobacter infections are generally rare, but when associated with serious
infections such as meningitis in infants, it may be fatal. 

It may also cause serious illness among persons with immunocompromised
conditions and those in old age.

The incubation period ranges from four to nine days, but can be up to 21 days. 

Salmonella Newport is a bacterium that can be found in many foods, including
vegetables, meat and processed food.

It can be transmitted when contaminated food is consumed.

READ ALSO

BABY FORMULA MAKERS STILL BREAKING GLOBAL MARKETING RULES - REPORT



The incubation period ranges from six hours to six days after infection.

Infants, young children under the age of five, elders aged 65 years and above as
well as immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.

SFA said that parents and caregivers who wish to seek clarification may call
Abbott Laboratories at 6278 6220 or email family.sg@abbott.com. 


TIPS ON PREPARING FORMULA MILK PROPERLY TO PREVENT INFECTION

The Ministry of Health said that the key to preventing Cronobacter and
Salmonella infections is to practise good hygiene and in properly preparing
formula milk.

To minimise the risk of infection, parents and caregivers should do the
following:

 * Wash hands with soap and water before handling items such as milk bottles,
   pacifiers and food that will come into contact with the infant’s mouth, and
   after using the toilet or changing diapers
 * Properly sanitise items meant for baby feeding with hot water and soap or
   commercial sterilisers. These would include milk bottles, breast milk pump
   parts and utensils for feeding
 * Prepare powdered infant formula in a clean environment, and ensure the
   cleanliness of infant formula containers, lids and scoops
 * Give infants only freshly prepared infant formula. Using hot water to prepare
   infant formula can kill bacteria such as Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella
   Newport. Boil water and allow to cool to no less than 70°C before pouring
   into a clean and sterilised feeding bottle. When cooling, the boiled water
   should be left for no more than 30 minutes after boiling
 * Use prepared formula milk within two hours of preparation. If the infant does
   not finish the entire bottle of milk, discard the content
 * If prepared formula milk is not to be used right away, refrigerate it
   immediately and use it within 24 hours
 * When unsure if the milk prepared is fresh, discard it

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