Several reports of babies experiencing severe infections after consuming particular powdered infant formula have been received by the FDA. FDA is the body mandated to protect the health of consumers by ensuring the safety of our food supply. It is alarmed at the rate at which parents and caregivers are coming out to report severe cases of infections by their little ones after they were fed on infant formula produced by Abbott Labs. FDA has launched an investigation into the matter to determine the cause of the bacterial infection reported by the affected and the exact contaminated products.
The infections have been reported in Elecare, Similac, and Alimentum infant baby formulas. These products are all produced by Abbott Labs in its Michigan-based plant, though the company has since recalled the alleged products and other potentially-contaminated products.
Bacterial Contamination by Infant Formula
Infant baby formulas are a reliable source of nutrition for all babies born in the United States. Parents trust the various brands across the market to provide the nutritional needs of their babies for proper growth and development. Sadly, some previously trustworthy products are causing severe bacterial infections in infant consumers. Some babies have since lost their lives, and others are fighting severe symptoms in hospitals.
It was business as usual when the first case was reported. But when more parents and caregivers spoke about a mysterious bacterial infection in their loved ones, it called for an investigation. In the beginning, no one was sure about what was affecting the infected babies until it was determined that all the infected babies were fed on one or more of the already-recalled products by Abbott Labs.
The basis of FDA investigations is on at least four reported cases of Cronobacter infection in infants that were supposedly fed on products from the same manufacturer. The investigations are also based on a single report of Salmonella infection in an infant fed on the same products. All cases of bacteria infection after consumption of the recalled infant formula required hospitalization, where the infected infants received intensive medical care. The FDA also suspects that Cronobacter could have been why two of these babies lost their lives while receiving treatment.
Cronobacter is a germ that naturally exists in the environment. It can live in dry foods and cause severe infections in the consumers of contaminated foods. Cronobacter causes severe diarrhea and urinary tract infections in affected people, regardless of their age. It can be pretty harsh in infants. The germ and its related strains can cause fatal infections in babies, including infections to the spine and brain. Thus, it could result in life-threatening symptoms and sometimes death.
Salmonella is a widespread bacteria that affects the intestinal tract. It is mainly caused by contaminated food and water. Salmonella is prevalent in children, especially those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, chills, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Infections by Cronobacter are the least common but are highly fatal for infants. Early symptoms of infection include crying, poor feeding, fever, and reduced energy.
Signs of Salmonella infection are pretty similar and could include fever, diarrhea, headaches, rashes, and abdominal pains.
CDC provides parents and caregivers with precautions to minimize the threat of Cronobacter and Salmonella infections in their babies. These precautions include breastfeeding, using liquid baby formula, and proper cleaning and storing baby feeding items. CDC recommends liquid baby formula as it is usually sterilized.
What Parents Need to Do Following The Recall
The recall of the alleged contaminated products by Abbott Labs is a positive move in ensuring that no more babies are infected. If you suspect that any of the mentioned products have infected your child, you are urged to find legal help immediately. You can join a class action near you to pursue compensation for your damages. The support of a product liability attorney could also be necessary in preparing a solid case against the responsible manufacturer.
The recall by Abbott Labs included several infant formula brands, like Similac PM 60/40. The specific codes of the contaminated batch were issued during the recall. Thus, if any parent or caregiver has any of the recalled products at home, they are urged to discard them immediately and not feed them to their babies. The exact Similac product recalled is a specialized infant formula for babies with reduced mineral intake. This was included in the second recall.
Parents and caregivers can also visit the Abbott Labs website for more information and the exact code numbers when purchasing infant formula. Remember that the affected products are powdered products and not liquid baby formulas.
During the initial recall, Abbott Labs admitted to finding proof of Cronobacter in its plant. An investigation by the FDA also found Cronobacter bacteria in the environment where the said products are produced. FDA also found out that the company had previously destroyed some batches of products after finding traces of Cronobacter in its manufacturing plant.
What To Expect From FDA Investigations
The outcome of the FDA investigation will provide parents, caregivers, and product liability attorneys with the information they need to pursue lawsuits against the manufacturer. Parents and caregivers of infected babies have suffered severe damages, including expensive medical needs and mental anguish. It is only fair that they want to recover compensation for their damages.
FDA investigations will also likely result in additional measures by food manufacturers to ensure that food is safe before being brought to the market.
Talk to an Experienced Product Liability Team Near Me
Product liability laws allow you to pursue compensation to recover your damages if your loved one has been affected by a product. That should be the case if you suspect that your baby has been infected by Cronobacter or Salmonella after consuming one or more of the recalled Abbott products. At Consumer Alert Now, we ensure that families like yours receive adequate legal help and the compensation they deserve. Thus, if your child has been injured by powdered baby formula, contact us at 800-511-0747. We could help you join a mass tort near you.
