Who Owns Similac?

Similac was introduced in 1925 by Abbott Laboratories as one of the first commercially manufactured infant formulas. The name is derived from "similar to lacation" (similar to lactation). The product was initially distributed primarily through physicians and pharmacies as a medical product.

Over the following decades, Similac evolved in formulation as nutritional science advanced and as commercial infant formula became mainstream in the United States. Abbott invested heavily in clinical research and hospital relationships to maintain Similac's professional recommendation advantage.

The 2022 recall was the most consequential event in Similac's recent history. In February 2022, Abbott voluntarily recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare products manufactured at its Sturgis, Michigan plant following an FDA investigation that found conditions at the facility that could allow the growth of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria. The Sturgis facility closure caused the most acute infant formula shortage in US history, with shelves empty across the country for months. Abbott invested substantially in remediation and a new manufacturing facility in Ohio following the recall.