A baby formula recalled in the United States may have already been purchased by Bermuda consumers, according to the Department of Health.

The popular formula Similac was yesterday recalled by US manufacturer Abbott Laboratories after being contaminated with insect parts.

The Department of Health confirmed Bermuda was included in the list of countries affected by the Similac powder recall.

Government is now working with Bermuda General Agency and other importers and distributors to ensure the affected powder products have been removed from the Island's shelves.

"A [Department of] Health spokesperson said that it is likely that some of the affected product will have already been purchased by Bermuda consumers," said a Government press release issued yesterday afternoon.

"The spokesperson advised parents and caregivers to check the codes on the packaging of any Similac powder infant formula that they may currently have in their possession or use."

The recall has affected certain Similac powder product lines in plastic containers, including the 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.

A Government spokesperson said: "The manufacturer of Similac issued a recall following an internal quality review that detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product from one production area in a single manufacturing facility.

"The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the gastrointestinal tract.

"The FDA has advised that if these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted."

The Royal Gazette understands the powder product with the affected codes has been removed from many grocers on the Island including Market Place and Lindo's. According to a spokesperson from Arnold's, the grocery chain has been out of the product for some time and was therefore not affected by the recall.

A manager at Lindo's said: "In my store we just received an order of about 25 to 30 cases [with six cans to a case] and that whole batch was the kind that was affected, so we had to pull those off our shelves."

According to the manager, Similac is the most popular brand of baby formula at the store. He said it was also one of the brands recommended by hospital staff when a baby was not properly breastfeeding.

All grocers have been advised of the recall and Environment Health Officers are monitoring stores to make sure the product is not accidentally sold, said a Government spokesperson.

They advised parents and caregivers who have questions about the health of their child to consult a physician. Parents can also go to www.similac.com/recall where they can type in the lot number to find out if their batch of powder was included in the recall.

Consumers who are concerned about a Similac product being sold can refer their queries to BGA on 295-8080.

More information can also be found on the US Food and Drug Administration website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm226885.htm.