Similac vs Enfamil vs Bobbie vs Kendamil: FDA Status, Recalls and Label Differences
A four-brand comparison of U.S. infant formula makers built from FDA records, recall notices and the brands' own pages. No prices, no rankings, no winner.
What parents should know
- Every infant formula sold in the U.S. must meet FDA nutrient requirements; the FDA does not "approve" formulas before sale but requires notification and inspects makers (FDA).
- The AAP says to use iron-fortified formula and ask your pediatrician before switching to a specialty type (AAP).
- Similac: February 2022 recall of certain powdered Similac, Alimentum and EleCare from Abbott Sturgis (FDA).
- Enfamil: December 2023 recall of 6 Nutramigen powder batches for possible Cronobacter; FDA has terminated the recall (FDA).
- Bobbie: 2019 recall of an earlier formula; current formulas are U.S.-made (Bobbie). Kendamil: made in the U.K., now permanently on the U.S. market per the company (Kendamil).
- We have no commercial relationship with Abbott, Reckitt/Mead Johnson, Bobbie or Kendamil. This comparison is not paid.
Disclosure: how we wrote this comparison
TeachToddler has no commercial relationship with any of these four brands or their parent companies. No one paid for, reviewed or approved this article, and comparisons on our site are never sponsored. Facts come from FDA pages and the brands' own labels and websites. Ingredient lists change, so always read the can in front of you. Where we could not confirm a detail from a primary source, we wrote "Not listed." We don't list prices.
How the FDA regulates every brand here
Under the Infant Formula Act, any formula sold in the U.S. must contain required nutrients at set minimum (and some maximum) levels and be made under good manufacturing practices (FDA). The FDA does not approve formulas before they go on sale, but makers must notify the FDA before marketing a new formula and the agency inspects plants (FDA). That is why the AAP says parents should not feel they need an expensive or imported brand for a healthy term baby (AAP).
Do not make homemade formula, water down formula, or buy imported formula that hasn't gone through the FDA process (FDA).
Four brands at a glance
| Similac | Enfamil | Bobbie | Kendamil | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Abbott (Similac) | Reckitt / Mead Johnson Nutrition (Enfamil) | Bobbie (Bobbie) | Kendal Nutricare (Kendamil) |
| Where made | Not listed on the pages we checked | Not listed on the pages we checked | U.S. facilities (Bobbie) | Europe, per the company (Kendamil) |
| U.S. regulatory path | Standard FDA infant formula requirements | Standard FDA infant formula requirements | Meets FDA requirements for infant formula (Bobbie) | Entered under 2022 enforcement discretion; now on the FDA's list of formulas marketed in the U.S. (FDA, Kendamil) |
| Range | Standard, sensitive, hypoallergenic and specialty lines | Standard, gentle, hypoallergenic (Nutramigen) and specialty lines | Four formulas, per the brand (Bobbie) | Classic, Organic and Goat infant formulas (Kendamil) |
| Recent recalls we found | February 2022 powder recall (FDA) | December 2023 Nutramigen batches (FDA) | 2019 recall of earlier German-made formula (Bobbie) | None found |
Recall details, brand by brand
- Similac (Abbott), 2022. In February 2022 the FDA investigated Cronobacter infections in infants who had consumed powdered formula from Abbott's Sturgis, Michigan facility, and Abbott recalled certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powders. The plant shut down for months, contributing to the national formula shortage (FDA).
- Enfamil Nutramigen, 2023. On December 30, 2023 Reckitt/Mead Johnson recalled about 675,030 cans of Nutramigen powder in 6 batches (ZL3FHG, ZL3FMH, ZL3FPE, ZL3FQD, ZL3FRW, ZL3FXJ) because of possible Cronobacter in product sampled outside the U.S. The company said product it tested was negative and no illnesses were reported. The FDA lists the recall as completed and terminated (FDA).
- Bobbie, 2019. Bobbie says it voluntarily recalled its earlier product in 2019 over a regulatory issue raised by the FDA, then brought its current formulation to market in January 2021 (Bobbie).
- Kendamil. We found no FDA recall notice for Kendamil. Its U.S. recipes were updated in 2026 as part of moving from enforcement discretion to permanent status (Kendamil).
Label differences that actually matter
Instead of ranking brands, compare the type of formula your baby needs. Cow's milk-based formula is the standard choice for most babies. Partially hydrolyzed "gentle" or "sensitive" versions, lactose-reduced versions, and goat milk formulas exist, and true cow's milk protein allergy usually calls for an extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula your pediatrician recommends. The AAP advises talking with your pediatrician before switching types (AAP).
Organic, "European-style" or grass-fed labels describe sourcing, not extra safety or nutrition. All four brands sell formulas that meet the same FDA nutrient rules.
Switching between these brands
For healthy babies on standard formula, it is generally fine to switch brands of the same type, and many families did during the 2022 shortage. Some babies have a few days of different stools. Ask your pediatrician before switching to or from a hypoallergenic or specialty formula.
When to call the doctor
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Similac, Enfamil, Bobbie or Kendamil?
We don't name a winner. All must meet the same FDA nutrient requirements; the right one is the type your baby tolerates and your pediatrician agrees with.
Is Kendamil FDA approved?
The FDA doesn't approve formulas before sale. Kendamil entered under 2022 enforcement discretion and says it has completed FDA's review for permanent U.S. sale.
Has Bobbie formula been recalled?
Bobbie recalled its earlier formula in 2019 and relaunched its current U.S.-made formula in 2021, per the company.
What was the Similac recall?
In February 2022 Abbott recalled certain powdered Similac, Alimentum and EleCare made at its Sturgis, Michigan plant during an FDA Cronobacter investigation.
Was Enfamil recalled?
Six batches of Enfamil Nutramigen powder were recalled in December 2023 for possible Cronobacter. The FDA has terminated that recall.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We have no commercial relationship with any of these brands, and comparisons on TeachToddler are never paid.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide was checked against the current guidance below. Medical and safety recommendations can change; use the linked source and your child's clinician for decisions specific to your family.
- FDA: Infant formula
- FDA: Infant formulas marketed in the U.S.
- FDA: Questions and answers for consumers concerning infant formula
- FDA: Investigation of Cronobacter infections, powdered infant formula (February 2022)
- FDA: Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutramigen recall (December 2023)
- FDA: Recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Choosing an infant formula
- Bobbie: Formula safety (manufacturer)
- Bobbie Medical FAQ (manufacturer)
- Kendamil USA: An update for Kendamil families (manufacturer)
- Similac (manufacturer)
- Enfamil (manufacturer)