Source: Ohio Department of Health
In February, Abbott Laboratories recalled select products, including Similac, Similac Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced at a facility in Michigan. Of the recalled products, three formulas offered by the Ohio WIC Program were affected (Similac Alimentum powder, EleCare, and EleCare Junior). As a result, Ohio (along with nearly every other state across the country) is experiencing infant formula shortages, either directly related to the Abbott recall and/or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ohio Department of Health released a letter that provides additional information, including prescribing alternatives, to recalled formula products and asks physicians to be flexible by prescribing these alternatives to the recalled products.