Everything You Need to Know About the Powered Baby Formula Recall Lawsuit

On February 27, 2012 Abbott Laboratories, Inc. ("Abbott”) announced it was recalling powdered baby formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Products made at this facility can be found across the U.S. and were likely exported to other countries as well. Canadian health officials have also issued a recall warning. Abbott is recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility. 

If you have questions, or would like to know more about the Powered Baby Formula Recall Lawsuit, contact Powered Formula Recall Lawyer Timothy L. Miles for free today.  Read on to learn more about the Powered Baby Formula Recall Lawsuit.

The FDA Announces the Powered Baby Formula Recall Investigation

The same day as the recall announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) announced it was investigating consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections. The FDA stated that in all of the cases are reported, each consumed powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility. The FDA further stated it was is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered baby formula products produced at this facility. 

The FDA is addvided consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

• the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and 
• the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and 
• the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

​The FDA stated it was investigating complaints of four infant illnesses from three states. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. The FDA stated it has initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and its findings to date include several positive Cronobacter sakazakii results from environmental samples taken and adverse inspectional observations by the FDA investigators. A review of the firm’s internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firm’s destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter. 

​In addition to the above, on February 28, 2012 Abbott additionally stated it was recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. 

How Do I Know if I Bought Recalled Powered Baby Formula?

​To find out if your powered baby formula is subject to the recall, look on the bottom of the container for a product code that includes eight numbers or letters. Then go to this website – www.similac.com/recall – where you can type in the code to see if your baby formula is on the list.  

What Should I Do If My Product Was Affected by the Powered Formula Recall?

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 is 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; and 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.

What Should I Do if My Child Is Showing Symptoms?

​If you notice that your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above after consuming recalled powered formula, it is 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 do not 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.

Call a Powered Formula Recall Lawyer Today About a Powered Baby Formula Recall Lawsuit

Contact Powered Formula Recall Lawyer Timothy L. Miles today for a free case evaluation to see if you are eligible for the Powered Baby Formula Recall Lawsuit. 

Timothy L. Miles, Esq.

Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles was recentely selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association, a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019). Mr. Miles has publeshed over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, and more.