Australian health authorities are warning parents to stop feeding their babies three brands of formula as they may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria.
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Both Victorian and New South Wales health authorities issued alerts on Sunday night, after EleCare, Similac and Alimentum instant formulas were recalled.
Manufacturer Abbott is conducting a precautionary recall of some of the formulas, which are made in the United States.
The formulas could be contaminated with Salmonella, which may lead to fevers, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea in babies.
There are fears the formulas may also contain Cronobacter, which can be fatal in babies and presents as a fever, poor feeding, crying or very low energy.
The specialist formulas are available in Australia through a prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order.
VicHealth warned parents to immediately seek medical attention if any symptoms develop.
"Parents and caregivers should cease feeding with the affected products as soon as an alternative has been sourced," VicHealth said in an alert.
"Infants or children may present to health services and emergency departments unwell if they have consumed affected formula."
NSW Health Chief Paediatrician Matthew O'Meara said there had not yet been any infections linked to the formulas so far.
Two types of EleCare formula are affected, its unflavoured 400g can, lot number 26811Z200, and EleCare LCP 400g can, lot number 27871Z202.
An Abbott spokeswoman said the company did not sell Similac and Alimentum formulas through pharmacies in Australia, however individuals may have purchased the products online and imported them.
She encouraged parents who used EleCare to contact the company on 1800 225 311 to check if their formula is impacted.
"No other nutrition products distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall, and you can continue to use those," the spokeswoman said.
Australian Associated Press
