Conference moira::parenting

932.0. "Similac Infant Formula Warning" by TARKIN::BOUTOTTE () Fri Apr 07 1995 09:59

From Worcester Telegram 4/7/95

Pseudo-Similac is being sold

Scam artists are selling counterfeit Sinilac Infant formula in at least 16
states, including Massachusetts, the Food and Drug Administration warned
parents yesterday.

The FDA is February and March shut down schemes in California and Kentucky
where rings sold fake versions of powdered Similac, a leading infant formula
made by Ross products.

But now FDA inspectors have unovered counterfeit cans of liquid Similac
in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode 
Island, Texas and Washington.

So far, the counterfeit Similac hasn't been linked to any injuries.  But the
FDA yesterday warned parents to check for telltale signs of fake Similac
and immediately return it to the store of purchase.

At issue is Similac with iron, the "ready to feed" liquid version sold in
8 ounce plastic cans.  All of the counterfeit cans contain the fictitious
code number "OCT96 L5 SI 89635."  Also, the counterfeit cans have paper
labels; genuine Similac labels are made of plastic and have a silver foil
backing.

The cans so far have actually contained infant formula of some type.  Some
contained a soy-based product called Isomil instead of Similac; consumption 
of one product over the other is not dangerous, the FDA said.

But other contained outdated Similac.  Outdated products can be lumpy, grainy,
or actually separate, meaning infants might not drink all the necessary 
parts.

"This is not hazardous as far as we know unless it's outdated enough to start
breaking down", said FDA spokesman Don McLearn.

For more information, call Ross Products at (800) 841-7001.

    I can't believe that someone would make counterfeit infant formula.
    That is just terrible.
     
    Luckily my daughter is being weened off of Similac powdered formula.
    We have 1 can left that I just opened yesterday and we have had for
    a few weeks now.
    

    This is horrible.  I hope there were no infants hurt by this.
    Just another reason to continue breastfeeding.
    
    Nancy

    ALthough the FDA says "consumption of one formula instead of another
    is not dangerous," it sure is inconvenient/possibly hazardous if
    your baby is sensitive to or allergic to cow's milk.  
    
    

    It should be pointed out again, that this scam is dealing with the
    8 oz. cans of ready-to-feed Similac.
    
    I had several calls from worried friends/family who didn't read
    this, and know I use the powdered version.

    RE: .4
    
    Are you sure it's just the ready-to-feed cans?  I saw a report on CNN
    a couple of weeks ago saying that you could identify the fake cans
    because they contained a "different color scoop."  This report made
    it sound like powdered formula was involved.  
    
    It was enough to make me switch to another brand!
    
    Cindy

    re .5
    THIS particular one (that was in the paper last Thurs or Fri)
    deals with the liquid, it mentioned that it was similar to the
    one recently with the powder, but also sounded as though the
    people who were switching the powder had been found...