Powdered Similac recalled after insect contamination found

Abbott Laboratories Inc said it is voluntarily recalling millions of containers of its top-selling Similac powdered infant formulas after beetles were found in the products and in a Michigan plant where they are made.

Abbott said on Wednesday that the recall, which could result in $100 million of lost revenue, comes after reports by two consumers of contamination, and its inspection of an area of the plant in Sturgis, Mich., where beetles or their larvae were found.

“The decision to recall the products was made in advance of the two consumer reports, which are being investigated,” said Abbott spokeswoman Melissa Brotz.

Brotz said fewer than 5 million units of Similac are being recalled in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean markets.

“When we identified this, we did extensive testing of every product on the (factory) line, and more than 99.8% of the product was negative” for beetle contamination, Brotz said. She noted that liquid forms of Similac have not been affected or recalled.

But all powdered product made on the Michigan factory line is being recalled due to the possibility of contamination, said Brotz. She described the pest as a common beetle indigenous to houses, office buildings and grocery stores.