January 1, Baby Formula Causes Life-Threatening Illness in Premature Infants

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Mothers across the country are fighting back against baby formula manufacturers for allegedly causing the death of their infants.

New Jersey’s Nicole Cresap filed a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, alleging that the company markets its Similac formulas as safe for premature infants despite medical and scientific studies proving otherwise. The suit claims the Chicago-based company’s products can cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening bacteria illness in preterm babies.

Abbott was aware that its cow’s milk-based formulas were “significantly increasing” the deaths of premature infants but chose not to contact the United States Food and Drug Administration, hospitals, and physicians to inform them of the risk, the lawsuit claims. 

The FDA shut down the Abbott Laboratories plant in Sturgis, Michigan, after discovering that powdered formula (brand name Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare) were contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii.

According to Bloomberg News, FDA inspectors found multiple deficiencies and problems at the Similac manufacturing facility, including leaks in the roof that allowed water to enter and sit stagnant on the floor and production equipment.

FDA inspectors observed a worker reach into a bag of ingredients without cleaning his gloves or hands. They also found pitted and cracked drying equipment and standing water — which could be bacterial breeding grounds.

So many mothers have filed similar lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson Nutrition that a federal judge panel ordered the consolidation of all infant-related NEC lawsuits in April.

The hundreds of baby formula NEC lawsuits allege that despite many studies highlighting the high risks premature infants face from cow’s milk formula like Similac and Enfamil, Abbott and its competitor Mead Johnson have continued to market and promote versions of their products specifically for use by premature infants.

The devastated families claim their premature infants may have avoided this life-threatening condition if the manufacturers hadn’t provided false and misleading information to parents and the medical community for 30+ years.

Injured parties must establish a connection between their child’s illness and the use of baby formula, which could be a complex process. It may be beneficial to seek legal advice to ensure victims are aware of their rights and get the justice they deserve.

You can get more information about how to file a claim or if you are eligible at the Baby Formula/NEC lawsuit page.

Sources: Daily Record | Bloomberg