The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled Similac infant formula. The recall comes after another infant died after using the formula.

So far, there are five reported (5) illness cases linked to the contamination of this baby formula, with two children dying. Cronobacter sakazakii caused four (4) cases, while Salmonella Newport infection caused one. All infants were hospitalized.

In February 2022, the Food and Drug Administration publicized the recall of specific powdered formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis in Michigan. You can identify the recalled products by the 7-to-9-digit code and expiring date on the package's bottom. The authority warned parents and healthcare providers across the U.S. not to give children Similac, EleCre, or Alimentum baby food products if:

  • The initial two (2) digits of the code are 22 through 37

  • The container's code has SH, Z2, or K8

  • The expiring date is after April 1, 2022

A recent case adds specialty baby formula Similac PM 60/40 containing codes 27032K800 (case) and 27032K80 (can) to the baby formula recall.

If you are not sure whether your formula is included in the recall, you can search your lot number on Abbott Nutrition's official website.

Recalled baby formulas are distributed in Canada and the United States.

What is Cronobacter Bacteria?

Cronobacter bacteria is a germ naturally found in the environment and can live in dry foods like powdered baby formula. While it can result in urinary tract infection (UTI) and diarrhea in patients of different age groups, it can be fatal in infants.

Typically, infections in newborns happen within the initial days of life. The bacteria can cause sepsis (deadly blood infection) or meningitis (swelling of the lining surrounding the spinal cord and brain). Children younger than two months are more prone to meningitis if they have Cronobacter. Babies with health conditions, those undergoing medical treatment like chemotherapy, or born prematurely are more vulnerable and less likely to fight germs and diseases.

Some of the symptoms of the infection in minor children are:

  • Fever

  • Crying

  • Jaundice

  • Grunting breaths

  • Abnormal movements

  • Low energy

  • Irritability

  • Poor feeding

Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms manifest after giving your child the powdered baby formula.

What Abbott Has to Say

In Abbott's statement, the baby formula manufacturer sympathized with the affected families. The company assured consumers that:

  • It is investigating all cases,

  • The cause of the infection is yet to be determined

  • Every baby formula is tested for the bacteria and cannot be released to the market should it test positive

The Abbott statement also stated that no distributed infant formula has tested positive for the bacterias. However, Cronobacter sakazakii has been found in the non-product contact regions at its Michigan facility.

FDA Reveals What Occurred with the Toxic Infant Food Product

On March 15, 2022, federal safety inspectors released a report. According to the report, Abbott did not maintain sanitary procedures and conditions at its Michigan manufacturing facility. On top of that, the inspectors discovered a history of Cronobacter bacteria, including eight cases between 2019 and 2022. Probably, these findings will result in a warning and a report to the baby formula manufacturer.

Most food safety activists who followed the baby formula recall claimed that neither Abbott nor the FDA has explained what led to the contamination. According to Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the report with preliminary findings does not shed light on what happened, and consumers do not have the answers. She urged that the FDA and Abbott should be more committed to understanding the root cause to avoid more cases.

So far, the baby formula manufacturer has not verified the number of units recalled, but its brands include the globe's best-selling infant formulas, including EleCare, Alimentum, and Similac. The company continues manufacturing infant food products at other facilities in the United States and overseas.

Since March, there is little known about the baby formula recall other than requests from Senate lawmakers for the baby product manufacturer to submit documents on condition at its Michigan facility.

In the letter, Senate health committee members inquired from the baby formula manufacturer about the duration it took to initiate the recall. The letter indicated that the manufacturer initially received a complaint from Minnesota health care practitioners in September 2021, with more claims coming later from Texas and Ohio.

It is unclear why the Food and Drug Administration did not take action against the manufacturing plant earlier. In September, the inspectors visited the Abbott Michigan plant and highlighted numerous problems like the absence of temperature regulation, employees who did not sanitize hands, and unsanitary conditions. However, these problems did not lead to a formal requirement or warning that the manufacturer halt production.

Moreover, the FDA has experts in Washington who specialize in outbreaks associated with baby formulas and food.

A Sick Infant's Parents Have Filed a Class-Action

After the recall, two Miami parents filed a lawsuit against the baby formula manufacturer after their daughter, who used Alimentum developed a salmonella infection. The plaintiffs allege that Abbott Laboratories puts infants at risk of infections and injury; the child experienced bowel and gastrointestinal challenges.

According to this lawsuit, the plaintiffs bought the baby formula in October last year. More than one food product they purchased corresponded to the ones outlined in the Food and Drug Administration's advisory.

The grounds for filing the lawsuits are the manufacturer's failure to:

  • apply reasonable care as far the baby formulas are concerned, and

  • warn consumers of the problem after recognizing it within their plant

Find a Skilled Mass Tort Attorney Near Me

When one negligent party injures several people, the victims have unique experiences and losses. However, the core of the cases is the same. A mass tort can be the most effective recovery option when this occurs. Some of the damages awarded in mass tort claims include medical expenses, lost income, disability accommodations, loss of quality of life, and disfigurement.

If your child developed either Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella after feeding on baby formula by Abbott Laboratories, you might have a valid case. You do not have to walk alone. The legal team at Consumer Alert Now can help you understand the law, guide you throughout the case, listen to your concerns and answer your question as you determine the plan of action. We never back down from ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve and have earned a national reputation. If your child has been injured by powdered baby formula, contact us at 800-511-0747.