RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

A week or so ago, Abbott Laboratories recalled its powdered form of Similac because of the presence of small beetles in the baby formula. I don’t blame Abbott from recalling the product. It was necessary, if not from a health standpoint, at the very least for a public relations position.

That being said, we Americans unintentionally consume over a pound of insects each year, possibly as much as two pounds. Insects are so prevalent in our food supply that the Food and Drug Administration has pretty much given up on trying to exclude them completely from our diet. Guidelines by the FDA allow various amounts of insects (and insect parts) in our food because it would be next to impossible to keep them out. However, once these limits are exceeded, the FDA will respond and take legal action.

It may well be that in the not-too-distant future, insects may become part of the American diet.

WASHINGTON (AP) ―

Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it is recalling millions of containers of its best-selling Similac infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.

The voluntary action affects up to 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas.

The recall does not affect any liquid formulas or other Abbott-brand products.

A company spokeswoman said Abbott uncovered the insects last week in one section of a Michigan manufacturing plant.

"We immediately shut down that one area and began an investigation," said Abbott's Melissa Brotz. "We're in the process of resolving it now." Abbott manufactures Similac at several U.S. sites.

Brotz said the company has been consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, which determined there was no "immediate health risk" from the contamination.

The company has set up a website and consumer hot line at (800) 986-8850. Consumers can enter the lot number on their containers online to determine if they are subject to the recall. The products should be returned to Abbott for a full refund.
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Delivering anything less than the highest quality infant formula is unacceptable to us," said Brotz. "We will do whatever is necessary to maintain the trust of parents in the coming weeks."

The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce.

Similac is the best-selling infant formula in the U.S. Abbott's nutritional products -- which include adult brands like Ensure -- had sales of $5.3 billion last year.

Abbott expects to lose $100 million in connection with the recall. However, the North Chicago, Ill., company confirmed its third-quarter earnings guidance between $1.03 and $1.05 per share.

Shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 12 cents to $52.03 in afternoon trading.