Tort Updates

what is the toxic baby formula claim?

In February 2022, baby formula from a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan, was found to cause infant illness. The formula caused infections from Cronobacter and Salmonella bacteria, and the FDA recalled the formula. 

In February 2022, baby formula from a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan, was found to cause infant illness. The formula caused infections from Cronobacter and Salmonella bacteria, and the FDA recalled the formula. 

However, many parents are claiming the infections from the formula caused another deadly disease. Parents state there should be a warning of the risks associated with the formula in terms of the disease, which is primarily found in premature babies.

This article explains the foundation of the claim, the lawsuits parents filed, the baby formulas included, and what to do if you were affected by the toxic formula claim.

what’s going on with the toxic formula claim?

The FDA released a statement on February 17th, 2022, regarding baby formula produced at an Abbott Laboratories plant in Sturgis, Michigan. The FDA recalled the products after the formula caused bacterial infections in babies, some of whom died due to the condition.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is most common in premature babies, and it causes their colons to become inflamed, damaging and killing tissue in the babies' colons. 

NEC can be deadly, and since some of the bacterial infections resulting from these formulas are fatal and can sometimes lead to death. Victims of the toxic baby formula claims are suing that the manufacturers, Abbott and Mead Johnson for failing to warn consumers of the risks associated with premature babies consuming baby formula.

Some premature babies who have consumed these formulas died from NEC or other infections, and the parents want justice and an explanation for why this warning is not present on the label.

parents have filed similac® and enfamil® lawsuits

As a result of the toxic formula claim, many parents are filing a lawsuit against baby formula since it could cause their premature babies harmful side effects. The claims in these lawsuits are that the manufacturers, Abbott and Mead Johnson, should have warned parents about the possibility of their babies developing NEC after consuming the formula. 

which baby formulas were compromised?

The baby formulas that might be affected includes Enfamil®, Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare® powdered infant formula. The FDA determined these products were compromised in early 2022 and released a statement in February. 

Despite producing formulas that were harmful to premature babies, the plant reopened for production in June 2022. The FDA allowed this because of the baby formula supply shortage. 

Abbott and the FDA took steps to ensure the formula is produced at the plant is safe for consumption. But, since the toxic formula claim has still not been addressed by the FDA, there is no telling if there will be more infant deaths from NEC or bacterial infections after premature babies consume the formula. 

Today, Abbott also has a feature you can use to check the lot number of your baby formula and see if it was affected by the recall and if there is any other information you should know about the claim.

If your premature baby experienced complications after consuming toxic baby formula, you may be entitled to significant compensation. 

what are the effects of toxic baby formula?

One potential side effect of premature babies consuming toxic baby formula is the development of a bacterial infection. The formula that the FDA recalled caused infections in babies, including Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella.

Parents filing the toxic formula claim say the formula caused their babies to develop NEC, which is why some died. NEC is not always deadly, but it will cause an infection in your baby's intestines, harming the tissues in that part of the body. The tissues can be so damaged that a hole forms, which can be incredibly fatal.

NEC is not common in older and larger babies, but premature babies face the highest risk. The babies most at risk weigh less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces. But, this is not to say that any babies or kids consuming this formula could not be affected. 

what to do if you were affected by the toxic formula claim

If your premature baby was affected by the toxic formula claims,  you might be entitled to compensation. We can help you get justice for you and your baby; submit a free claim  to see if you qualify for compensation. 

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