A number of baby formula products have been recalled over fears they could be contaminated with salmonella or cronobacter and cause illnesses if consumed, which could potentially lead to death.

Victoria's Department of Health issued the precautionary recall yesterday for the formula products EleCare, Similac and Alimentum, which are all manufactured in the US.

The recalled products have all the three factors below:

• The first two digits of the product code are 22 through 37
• The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2
• The expiration date is 1 April 2022 or later

Parents and carers can also enter the product lot code on the company's website to check if it is part of the recall.

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https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1495520084386664453

According to the health department, the baby formula brands can be purchased through prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order.

However, a spokesperson from healthcare company Abbott told 9news.com.au the recall only impacted specific batches of EleCare in Australia, including EleCare Unflavoured 400g can (lot number: 26811Z200) and EleCare LCP 400g can (lot number: 27871Z202).

"No other nutrition products – or Similac products – distributed by Abbott in Australia are affected by this recall," she said.

"Alimentum and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) are not sold by Abbott in Australia and these products are not available in Australia by prescription at pharmacies and hospitals."

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Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton advised parents and caregivers to stop using the formulas as soon as another alternative can be purchased.

"Salmonella infection can present with fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea," the advice read.

"Cronobacter infection in infants can present with fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy.

"Cronobacter infection in infants can be fatal."

Cronobacter infection can cause severe blood infections such as sepsis or meningitis and can cause death in babies.

Babies under two months of age, those born prematurely or immunocompromised are at higher risk of the infection.

The products are predominately for babies aged 12 months and under but can be used by older children with allergies as well.

Abbott, on its website, said it had decided to voluntarily recall the products after receiving four consumer complaints related to babies being ill from the formula.

"We conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities," a statement read.

"During testing in our Sturgis, Michigan, facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas.

"We found no evidence of Salmonella. This investigation is ongoing."

Anyone concerned about their baby's symptoms should immediately consult their doctor for advice.

Parents who have EleCare should call 1800 225 311 or email Nu**********@****tt.com to find out if they have an impacted product.

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Australia should brace for more assertive acts by China after the People's Liberation Army Navy used a military-grade laser to attack a Royal Australian Air Force plane, security experts warn.

"This incident may be a little preview of the future," Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, told nine.com.au.

Two Chinese naval ships, which included a guided missile destroyer, had been sailing in the Arafura Sea, across the Torres Strait and into the Coral Sea last Thursday when the attack on the RAAF P8 P-8A Poseidon with a military-grade laser was launched.

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Dr Roggeveen said the fact the incident happened within Australia's exclusive economic zone off the north coast of the country was significant.

"It shows how the Chinese navy has become a lot more bigger in recent years. Not just in size but in range. It now has true ocean-going capabilities."

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has condemned the laser attack, telling Today it put the risk of the Poseidon's 10-man crew in danger.

What is a laser attack?

Modern warships in the Chinese and western navies are equipped with lasers, Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said.

The lasers are used for tracking the range of a potential target before a weapon is fired at it.

They are widely used in military exercises when missiles and other armaments hit dummy targets.

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They are also powerful enough to damage key sensors aboard an aircraft.

Dr Davis said the aiming of the laser was "a hostile act," which could have injured the RAAF crew.

"If it hits the eyes of the air crew it could permanently blind them and therefore it is a hostile act."

How should Australia respond?

Australian, US and other western military aircraft have previously been confronted by Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in the South China Sea.

But last week's incident in uncontested waters closer to Australia is "unnerving", says Dr Roggeveen.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the laser attack today on 2GB radio.

"This is completely unacceptable and so we have demanded there be an investigation into the behaviour of what occurred on the vessel," Mr Morrison said.

"It was dangerous, it was reckless and it was unprofessional for what should be a sophisticated navy."

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Mr Dutton said Canberra sought a good diplomatic relationship with Beijing but he warned "Australia is not going to be bullied".

"I will write to my counterpart and there have been approaches by Defence into their counterparts in Beijing," he said.

"We will see what sort of response, if any, we get."

Dr Davis said the Federal Government should increase surveillance of Australia's northern waters and consider increasing naval patrols in the area.

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