What Parents and Soon-To-Be Parents Need To Know About the Increasing Number of Lawsuits Against Popular Baby Formula Brands

Today’s client call was a difficult one. There is nothing more vulnerable than premature infants or new parents. These tiny human beings have hung on with every ounce of energy in their small bodies to enter this world. And it’s up to a team of nurses and doctors to support bringing them into this world. This team and new parents shouldn’t have to question whether the formula being used to feed these small beings will bring harm.

For those parents or soon-to-be parents reading, here is what our team knows so far regarding the increasing number of lawsuits against Abbott Nutrition & Mead Johnson, popular baby formula manufacturers that produce Abbott’s Similac®, Alimentum®, EleCare®, and Enfamil brands.

1. The first set of more than 50 lawsuits includes Abbott Nutrition and Mead Johnson. The filed lawsuits allege that their pre-term babies died or got sick from a gastrointestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis or NEC. This is a disease that preterm infants are susceptible to. While both manufacturers marketed their cow’s milk-based formula as safe, new research has shown that it actually can heighten the disease.
2. The second series of lawsuits that parents and caregivers have filed are against Abbott Nutrition. There are several babies that have become sick (with one being fatal) from Cronobacter sakazakii. While Abbott Nutrition claims this is a germ that can be found in the child’s environment, a further FDA inspection of Abbott’s Michigan plant found violations related to cleanliness and temperature control: the very conditions that would lead to an infectious disease outbreak. The manufacturer had found these violations as far back as September 2021, but unfortunately failed to warn consumers.

So what should you do?

1. If you give your child formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition (common brands include: Abbott’s Similac®, Alimentum®, EleCare®) check the bottom for a product lot number. Abbott’s website currently has a list of product lot numbers that inform the consumer whether it has been recalled. Then return it for a refund.
2. If you or a loved one you know have had children that have suffered as a result of these issues please call us today at (888) 348-2735 or visit our website for more information regarding the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits.