Various infant formula and baby food products have made headlines recently for risking the health and lives of children nationwide. From unacceptable levels of toxic heavy metals to concerns over Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the industry has faced a number of serious accusations. In the wake of the infant formula shortage, families need safe and reliable formula for their developing babies more than ever. However, another major formula manufacturer has faced scrutiny recently. Abbott Nutrition issued an infant formula recall due to infant deaths and illnesses caused by bacterial infections. Did your baby develop health complications after ingesting formula tainted with Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport? Reach out today to speak with an attorney at The Lake Law Firm about how an infant formula recall lawsuit can help you.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of consumers who used specific infant formulas, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. Reports of bacterial infections in infants who consumed these infant powder formulas have prompted manufacturer recalls and an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many babies have required hospitalization, and some have even died in lawsuits brought against infant formula manufacturers. We recognize that a lawsuit cannot reverse the reckless actions of these companies, but one of our experienced infant formula lawyers can help you in your quest for justice.
Abbott Laboratories based in Illinois is a multinational and longstanding medical device and healthcare company. The company consists of four divisions, each with a particular focus. One segment, Abbott Nutrition, aims to provide nutritional products for every stage of life. Abbott Nutrition manufactures popular nutrition shakes and powders like Pediasure, Ensure, and Pedialyte. It also sells various powdered formulas like Similac and EleCare designed to assist in a baby’s development and curated to an infant’s specific needs or deficiencies.
On February 17, 2022, baby formula manufacturer Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled three of its powdered formulas produced at its facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The recall affected Abbott Nutrition’s Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formula products. Originally, four consumer complaints related to bacterial contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport spurred this recall. In a statement issued by the company, Abbott did find evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the Michigan facility.
The FDA stated that all five reports (four Cronobacter and one Salmonella Newport) resulted in hospitalizations, and Cronobacter infections may have contributed to two deaths.
The FDA first issued an alert on February 17 warning parents not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition following the voluntary recall. The FDA’s warning contained specific information regarding the lots of baby formula affected. On February 18, the FDA concluded its inspection of the Michigan facility and found several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples. The agency urged consumers to avoid using or purchasing the recalled products. Cronobacter infections can be especially dangerous for newborn infants, leading to sepsis or meningitis.
Furthermore, on February 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an additional Cronobacter sakazakii illness as a result of exposure to Abbott Nutrition’s Similac PM 60/40 at the same Michigan facility. Abbott Nutrition issued another voluntary recall following the report since the initial recall did not include this type of Silminac as it is a specialty formula intended for infants who benefit from lower mineral intake.
Illnesses linked to the contaminated formula were reported in Ohio, Minnesota, and Texas between September 16, 2021, and January 4, 2022. The FDA stated that Abbott Nutrition failed to properly clean surfaces to protect formula products from contamination. Yet due to the nationwide baby formula shortage, Abbott resumed production at the Sturgis, Michigan facility in June 2022.
These lawsuits include claims of bacterial infections, specifically Cronobacter infections. Cronobacter sakazakii is a germ found naturally in the environment. These germs thrive in dry foods such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Cronobacter bacteria infections prove particularly harmful and even life-threatening for infants. Therefore, tainted infant formulas can lead to:
There are several lawsuits filed against Abbott Nutrition for its contaminated powdered infant formulas. These lawsuits claim Abbott Nutrition distributed hazardous formulas that led to several infections, hospitalizations, and the deaths of innocent babies. Plaintiffs allege that their infants developed life-threatening bacterial infections after ingesting the company’s powdered infant formula infected with Cronobacter sakazaii.
Currently, there are two multidistrict litigations (MDL) filed against Abbott. However, one deals with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and the other focuses on Cronobacter sakazaii. The JPML panel consolidated many lawsuits concerning bacterial infections in infants who consumed the tainted infant formula into MDL-3037. Both MDLs have been assigned to the Northern District of Illinois, the location of Abbott’s headquarters. MDL-3037 has nearly forty cases at this time. The MDLs focus on babies sickened after consuming infant formula tainted with bacteria and economic losses linked to the recalled contaminated formula.
Furthermore, families have filed individual lawsuits against Abbott. For instance, in August 2022, a mother filed a food poisoning lawsuit against Abbott after doctors diagnosed her infant with salmonella food poisoning. The plaintiff alleges that her infant required hospitalization after consuming Abbott’s recalled infant formula.
Tainted powdered baby formula can permanently impact the lives of infants and their families. With the help of our knowledgeable infant formula attorneys, you may receive compensation for any or all of the following:
Families of children who suffered injury or death as a result of contaminated formula deserve justice and compensation from the negligent companies at fault. Abbott Nutrition like any manufacturer maintains a responsibility to provide safe products for consumers. Unfortunately, several families relied on Abbott Nutrition to provide sustenance for their growing infants, but instead many endured inconsolable losses. We understand that your loss cannot be quantified or rectified by any sum of money. But, a lawsuit may help you recover compensation and incite change in company practices to prevent future harm to children. To find out if you are eligible for compensation for contaminated infant formula, reach out to our talented legal team today.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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