Health Ministry Halts Use of Similac Batch in Israeli Hospitals

Israel's Ministry of Health has ordered a halt to the use of a specific batch of Similac infant formula in hospitals following the discovery of a fiber-like substance within a bottle. The substance, described as having a fatty texture, was found yesterday, and its origin is currently unknown, with possibilities including foreign object contamination or powder crystallization.

As a precautionary measure, the ministry has prohibited the use of batch number 89203N201, which is marked on the bottom of the bottles. This particular batch is exclusively distributed to hospitals and is not available in retail stores.

The Ministry of Health stated that this is an isolated incident with no reported cases of infants experiencing adverse health effects. Abbott, the manufacturer of Similac, is working to supply an alternative batch to hospitals. The directive applies only to this specific batch, and other Similac batches remain unaffected.

Abbott confirmed their cooperation with the Ministry of Health regarding the single complaint about the "Ready-to-Feed" Similac batch. They noted that the ministry requested a temporary suspension of its use pending investigation. Abbott added that, as of now, no safety concerns regarding the product have been identified.