(Anchorage, AK) - The State of Alaska Family Nutrition Program/WIC has been notified by sources statewide that have discovered the recalled Similac baby formula in local stores. The WIC program has been notified by the Elmendorf military commissary and from WIC clinics in Bethel and Nome that some of the state-purchased formula samples stored at the clinic are part of the recall.

On Sept. 22, Abbott Laboratories issued a voluntary recall for certain of their Similac (powder infant formula) products identified by lot numbers. Abbott is conducting a voluntary recall of the formula because of the possibility that the product contains a small common beetle. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing beetles and/or beetle larvae poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume the tainted formula could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.

The WIC program has issued guidance to WIC clients and WIC approved grocery stores regarding the process to exchange or return recalled Similac products. A copy of the guidelines is available at: http://health.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/programs/nutri/wic/pdfs/Recall_guidance.pdf Complete information on the recall, including all affected lot numbers, is available at: www.similac.com/recall