Beginning March 1^st, 2023 non-Similac formulas will no longer be available as substitutes.

If your benefit balance lists a specific formula, then you may buy only that formula.

For example, if your benefit balance lists Similac Advance PWD 12.4oz, then you may only buy this formula type and can size.

Beginning March 1^st, 2023 if your benefit balance lists Substitute Formula for Recall then you may only buy Similac formulas in the larger size cans. See full list of available formulas below:

If you have the “substitute formula” on your WIC balance:

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la lista de sustitutos en español

• You can purchase any of the formulas and sizes listed in the table below.
• If you want to purchase a similar formula, find your regular formula in the table and choose one of the options listed underneath.
• The WICShopper App can help you figure out how many cans you can buy.
• Larger sized formula containers will remove more than one can from your balance – see the exchange rate in the chart.
• Call your WIC clinic if you have questions.

Contact your local WIC clinic if you are having trouble finding formula.

Why the change?

In February 2022 Similac issued a formula recall. This resulted in a nationwide shortage so WIC was allowed temporary flexibility to offer other formula choices. We called these Substitute Formulas. Recently formula inventory has improved and the shortage seems to be coming to an end. As a result, the flexibility to allow Substitute Formula options is also ending. From 3/1/23 – 4/30/23 the only Substitute Formulas will be Similac brand in larger can sizes. Beginning May 1^st, 2023, Substitute Formulas will no longer be issued. Idaho WIC will return to offering the standard formulas listed below:

• Similac Advance
• Similac Sensitive
• Similac Soy
• Similac Total Comfort

Abbott has issued a recall for Similac powder formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. These formulas may be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii.

Visit www.similacrecall.com or call 1-800-986-8540 to find out if your formula is included.

DO NOT feed your baby formula if it is included in this recall.

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements.

If you have recalled Similac formula your options are:

• Store Exchange – Return recalled formula cans to the store for an exchange or refund. Return policies at each store will vary. Some may require a receipt, others may not.
• Similac Replacement – Call Similac Customer Service (1-800-986-8540) for a replacement.

If you cannot find your WIC-issued formula at the store:

Call your local WIC clinic to discuss formula substitute options.  If your clinic has issued you the Substitute Formula benefit, please see the Substitute Formula section below.

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la lista de sustitutos en español

If “Substitute Formula” is in your WIC benefit balance:

• You can purchase any of the formulas and sizes listed in the table below.
• If you want to purchase a similar formula, find your regular formula in the table and choose one
  of the options listed underneath.
• The WICShopper App can help you figure out how many cans you can buy.
• Larger sized formula containers will remove more than one can from your balance – see
  the exchange rate in the chart.
• Call your WIC clinic if you have questions.

Opciones para formula de WIC

Si usted tiene el término “formula sustituta” en su balance de WIC:

• Usted puede comprar cualquiera de las formulas y los tamaños citados en la tabla de abajo.
• Si usted quiere comprar una formula parecida, encuentre la formula regular en la tabla y escoja
  una de las opciones citadas abajo.
• La aplicación de WICShopper le puede ayudar a saber cuántas latas de formula puede comprar.
• Los contenedores en lata de tamaño más grande removerán más de una lata de su
  balance ‐ vea el tipo de cambio en la tabla de abajo.
• Llame a su clínica de WIC si tiene preguntas.

HOMEMADE FORMULA:

DO NOT make homemade infant formula or water down formula, there are serious health and safety concerns if you do this.

IMPORTED FORMULA:

Some imported formula may begin appearing on local store shelves. These formulas are safe to buy and feed infants.

Some imported formula options may also be available online. If buying formula online, be sure it is from a trusted source.

• Note: Idaho WIC benefits cannot be used online.

For more information on preparing imported formulas, please see FDA’s Tips for Preparing Imported Infant Formula.

Imported formula brands you may see include:

• Bubs
• Kendamil

MILK SUBSTITUTES:

Talk to your pediatrician before:

• introducing cow’s milk or other non-dairy milks especially for infants under 12 months or
• introducing complementary foods at 6 months (no earlier than 4 months)

For more details, please visit CDC or American Acadamy of Pediatrics.