Abbott Baby Formula Recall

Abbott issued a voluntary recall for all their Similac, Alimentum, and Elecare baby formula products after the FDA discovered the presence of harmful bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections in young children. The study was conducted after four families came forward with young children who developed bacterial infections from the products and required medical attention, but it’s possible other families are enduring the same circumstances. According to reports, Abbott performed a safety test on the facility where the defective products were manufactured and found evidence of the cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, but not salmonella. They claim that they have found no distributed products containing either bacteria, but after four families came forward with reports of their negligence, it’s difficult to believe there aren’t other defective Abbott products on store shelves. 

Although this situation only calls for a voluntary recall, it’s best to avoid Abbott’s products entirely until they’ve remedied the problem, as it’s now impossible to trust their integrity. They might be doing everything in their power to right their wrong, but it’s unacceptable for a manufacturing facility that specializes in baby formula to contain bacteria that jeopardizes the health of their target market. Morgan & Morgan stands with the victims of this tragedy, and if your child was harmed by their negligence, we’re here to help you recover the damage you sustained.

Abbott has concluded that the defective products stem from a manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The FDA has cautioned families to avoid Abbot’s products if:

• The first two digits of the serial number are 22 through 37, and
• The serial code contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• The expiration date is April 1st, 2022, or later

Additionally, you can check Abbott’s online tool, similacrecall.com, and input the lot number found on the bottom of the product’s packaging to determine if your products are dangerous. 
 

The defective baby formula products contain bacteria that, if ingested, can cause a serious, life-threatening infection in young children. Any family that has Abbott products in their home should dispose of them and find a safer alternative for their children, one that doesn’t jeopardize their health and wellbeing. Although there are only four cases of infections, it’s best to avoid the products entirely to ensure your child's safety.
 

Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria commonly found in dry environments, like baby formula, and can cause stomach issues as well as urinary tract infections in people of all ages. However, when it’s ingested by a child two months or younger, it can result in more serious infections, like sepsis and meningitis. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms after consuming a dry food product, you should seek medical treatment to ensure their safety:

• Fever
• Unusual patterns of crying
• Abnormally low energy
• Difficulty or refusal to eat

On the other hand, Salmonella Newport causes symptoms of foodborne illness, such as diarrhea, intestinal pressure, and vomiting. This type of bacteria is significantly more dangerous to children under three months of age, and an infant who’s infected with Salmonella Newport will exhibit the same symptoms as Cronobacter sakazakii. 

If you notice that your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above after consuming a powdered baby formula product, it’s best to bring them to a trusted medical professional for a second opinion. The signs of a Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport infection are very vague, and the behavior your child is showing could just be a coincidence rather than a severe diagnosis. However, you don’t want to leave that up to chance, and by seeking medical attention sooner rather than later, you can protect your child from the consequences of an infection that’s gone too far.

In the most difficult moments of your life, Morgan & Morgan has your back. Abbott’s failure to properly safety-test their products prior to sale isn’t your burden to bear, as they were the ones who chose to act negligently and expose their customers to the risk of a dangerous infection. Our product liability lawyers have a proven track record of recovering the full extent of damages in cases like this, and most importantly, we’re not afraid of any bully organization. Abbott might believe that they can use their size to escape the liability of their actions, but with one of our product liability lawyers by your side, you can leverage the resources of America’s largest personal injury firm and position yourself towards the best possible outcome for your case. 

Although compensation can’t reverse the damage that Abbott has caused, it can help you to financially recover from the situation and give your child the help they need. If your child developed a bacterial infection and needed to be hospitalized after ingesting a powdered baby formula product, contact us today for more information on how to get started.