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The Department of Health in Flagler County is monitoring the current infant formula shortage. 

On May 12, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf regarding the formula shortages affecting some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations.

When the initial recall was issued by Abbott Nutrition in February, the department reached out to retailers that accept the Women, Infants and Children benefits to recommend ordering an alternative supply of formula. For medically complex children who 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 it 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. 

On Feb. 17, Abbott Nutrition initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas produced in their Sturgis facility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory to alert consumers to avoid purchasing or using recalled formulas.

Impacted products within the recalled lot may include:

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:

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.

Circulation Verification Council 12166 Old Big Bend Rd, Suite 210, Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 966-7711 www.cvcaudit.com