A food recall has been issued for three brands of infant formula — EleCare, Similac and Alimentum — issued by Victoria’s chief medical officer Brett Sutton on Sunday, February 20.
They have been recalled due to potential contamination with Cronobacter and Salmonella, and parents are advised to stop using the products as soon as an alternative is found.
Salmonella infection symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, while Cronobacter infection in infants often presents with fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying or very low energy. Cronobacter infection in infants can be fatal.
“Seek medical attention immediately if your baby develops any of the above symptoms,” Prof Sutton said.
“Infants or children may present to health services and emergency departments unwell if they have consumed affected formula.”
Prof Sutton said health services and emergency departments should be alert for clinical presentations related to the recall.
“Medical professionals should manage the patient according to clinical presentation and seek paediatric or neonatal advice as required,” he said.