The FDA and the CDC announced on February 18, 2022, the recall of Similac Powder Infant Formula due to the investigation of cronobacter and salmonella complaints. Similac is a widely used formula and is issued greatly by WIC.
- The Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic WIC and state WIC staff give these general recommendations as more information arrives.
- If you have not yet purchased formula:
- To verify that the formula is safe, check the lot number at: https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/product-lookup.html. If you can only find formula that is a part of the recall, please wait until the recall is over.
- If you find formula that is not a part of the recall, go ahead and purchase that formula.
- Visit Enfamil.com and by registering your infant you may be able to receive coupons or samples in the mail.
- Use food stamps, TANF, or other means to purchase enough formula to get through the recall.
- Contact your local food bank to see if they have formula on hand that can be issued.
If you have purchased recalled formula:
- Fill out the recall form on Similacrecall.com. You may also return a WIC-issued formula to a WIC clinic location near you.
- Try to return the recalled formula to the store. The store may exchange the formula for a formula that is not recalled, including some Similac Ready-to Feed formulas.
- If you cannot return the formula to the store, then WIC can reissue the formula on your WIC card to be used once the recall is over. WIC may also exchange benefits for some Similac powdered formulas for ready-to-feed. The formula amount will be prorated based on their issuance date and will expire when it is due for issuance once again, which means that not all cans of formula will be replaced.
We are with our families in feeling the stress of this recall. As soon as we know more about the recall and our next steps, we will make an effort to notify our patients and the public. For more information on the recall, visit: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-and-salmonella-complaints-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022
