The Department of Health in Okeechobee, Hendry, and Glades Counties  is monitoring the current infant formula shortage and takes this life-threatening issue very seriously.

On May 12, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf regarding the formula shortages affecting some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations. DOH-Okeechobee wants to ensure Floridians are kept up to date on this issue and have the correct information on how to protect your family.

When the initial recall was issued by Abbott Nutrition in February, the Department immediately reached out to retailers that accept the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits to recommend ordering an alternative supply of formula. For our medically complex children that depend on medical specialty formula, the Department found alternative products to off-set the shortage.

The current recall does not affect Florida’s primary WIC milk-based formula, but the shutdown of the Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan is causing strain on the entire formula market. In a recent press release from Abbott, the company stated they could restart their factory within two weeks, and get products to shelves six to eight weeks after the restart.

For Florida families in need of certain metabolic formulas, Abbott continues to release these products on an as-needed basis with a referral from a health care professional. These products were not included in the recall and have been tested and comply with all product release requirements before distribution. Impacted families should contact their health care provider or local WIC office to ensure they are getting the necessary formula.

Protect your family
• Choose an infant formula that is safe. For more information on choosing a safe infant formula, visit the CDC (cdc.gov) and FDA (fda.gov) pages on the topic.
• Do not make homemade infant formula. Visit the FDA’s page (fda.gov) for more information.
• Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the United States. This formula could be counterfeit, including a fake labels with a wrong use-by-date.
• Properly prepare and store infant formula. For information on proper preparation and storage, visit the CDC’s page.
• Properly clean, sanitize, and store infant feeding items. Visit the CDC’s page (cdc.gov) for more information.

• Always wash your hands. For information on how and when to wash your hands, visit the CDC’s page (cdc.gov).

What is recalled
On February 17, 2022, Abbott Nutrition initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas produced in their Sturgis, MI facility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory to alert consumers to avoid purchasing or using recalled formulas.
Impacted products within the recalled lot may include:
• Similac PM 60/40
• Similac®
• Alimentum®
• EleCare

Impacted lots will start with a 22 through 37, not including the letter at the beginning. Example: L31465SH00.
Check to see if you have recalled formula by:
• Reviewing the lot number on the bottom of your package.

• Checking the lot number on the Abbott website (abbottnutrition.com/).
• Visiting Abbott’s website (abbottnutrition.com/).
• Calling the company at 1-800-986-8540.

Do not feed your baby recalled formula. If the lot number on your formula does not start with a 22 through 37, your formula is not impacted.

Do not throw away recalled formula. Return it to the store for a refund or exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540.

If you have any questions you can call your local WIC office at:
Hendry/Glades - 863-674-4078
Okeechobee - 863-462-5800

About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow FDOH on Facebook (facebook.com/FLDepartmentofHealth), Instagram (instagram.com/healthy_fla/), and Twitter at @HealthyFla (twitter.com/healthyfla). For more information, please visit FloridaHealth.gov.