Baby Formula Manufacturer Abbott Laboratories Shuts Down Production At Plant In Sturgis, Michigan After Recalling Similac, Alimentum and EleCare Baby Formula —-> Numerous Lawsuits Filed Against Abbott After Infants Develop Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN (May 22, 2022) – Abbott Laboratories, one of the largest producers of baby formula, has shut down production at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan over safety concerns with its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formulas.
The FDA has warned parents against using the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formulas and Abbott has voluntarily recalled them. U.S. Department of Justice officials filed a legal complaint against Abbott over allegations of quality and safety violations. Abbott has reached a tentative agreement with the agency to resolve safety concerns and restart the plant.
This comes after four babies were hospitalized and one died after consuming the baby formula. Bacterial contamination with the baby formula is believed to have played a role in the injuries and death.
The affected formulas have a number starting with 22 through 37 and contain K8, SH or Z2 . Parents should be weary of any formula with an expiration date of April 1 or later.
The Sturgis plant shutdown could not come at a worse time for parents. There are shortages of baby formula across the United States. Ongoing supply chain constrains, product recalls and inflation have all contributed to the problem, according to market analysis firm Datasembly.
To help ease the shortage, the white house has used military aircraft to transport baby formula to the United States from Europe. If you are concerned that your baby formula is part of the recall, you can check the lot number on Abbott’s site by clicking HERE. You can also read more information about the recall from Abbott by clicking HERE.
According to the general FAQ released by Abbott, “The products included in the recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container (see bottom of can, plastic jar, or pouch for this multidigit number) starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. Example: L31465SH00 . Additionally, one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) is included in the recall.”
Liability For Injuries Caused By Contaminated Baby Formula
The bacterial contamination of the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formula at the plant in Sturgis, Michigan is just one of the problems facing Abbott Laboratories. They are also facing a string of lawsuits alleging that they knew (or should have known) that their baby formulas could cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. NEC is a serious gastrointestinal problem that can affect premature babies. It can cause bacteria from the intestine to leak into the abdomen or blood, thereby causing serious illness or death. What follows below are the baby formula and brands mentioned in the Similac and Enfamil lawsuits.
- Similac Special Care <—> Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier <—> Enfamil Premature 24 Cal/fl oz HP
- Similac NeoSure <—> Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein- Concentrated Liquid
- Similac Alimentum <—> Enfamil Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein
- Similac Alimentum Expert Care <—> Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid <—> Enfamil Premature 30 Cal
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder <—> Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier <—> Enfamil Premature 24 Cal
- Similac Special Care 20 <—> Similac Special Care 30
- Similac Special Care 24 <—> Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement
- Similac Special Care 24 High Protein <—> Enfamil Premature 20 Cal
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid <—> Enfacare Powder
According to WebMD, infants will normally develop NEC within the first two weeks of their life. There are a number of symptoms that parents should look out for. Babies that develop NEC may have swollen or bloated bellies, green fluid in their stomach, bloody poop, trouble breathing, low heart rate or sluggishness. If your infant is displaying these symptoms you will need to consult with your doctor. He or she will take an x-ray of the infant’s stomach and run blood tests. When an infant is diagnosed with NEC, they may need to stop eating for a period of time and begin a regimen of antibiotics. Abbott Laboratories can be held liable for infants that develop NEC or other health issues after consuming their formula.
All food manufacturers have a legal responsibility to make goods that are reasonably safe. Even if the food itself is safe, it must also be produced and manufactured in a way that is not likely to lead to contamination. Companies must also warn about the non-obvious dangers associated with the use of their products. As stated previously, the lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories are primarily based on the legal theory that they (1) knew or should have known about the possibility of infants developing NEC from their formulas and (2) failed to adequately warn consumers about this risk. There are a number of steps that parents should take if they believe their child became ill after taking baby formula.
- Parents should consult with their pediatrician who may need to run tests.
- Parents should check to see if the baby formula that they used was recalled.
- All evidence of the baby formula that was consumed should be preserved.
- Parents should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
NEC is no small issue and the infants that are able to survive this horrible illness may have long term gastrointestinal problems. The parents of any infant that becomes ill after consuming baby formula can pursue some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills, future medical bills and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Contaminated Baby Formula From Abbott Laboratories
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the infant that died after consuming baby formula that came from the Sturgis plant. It is our sincere hope that all of the other children that became ill will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened and steps taken to prevent similar incidents.
Has your child become ill or developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming baby formula? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that parents are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about the baby formula recall we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
