A Similac recall lawyer can help if your baby was fed Similac powdered infant formula and suffered a bacterial infection. The US Food and Drug Administration recalled certain powdered baby formulas that may be tied to bacterial infections that stem from Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella. Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium that causes severe, life-threatening infections or inflammation of the membranes that protect the spine and brain.
The FDA is investigating complaints of four infant illnesses from three different states and is advising consumers to not use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formula manufactured at the Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
If your baby had suffered a bacterial infection after being fed Similac, Alimentum or EleCare contact Buckfire Law’s top-rated attorneys for your free case evaluation. Our defective product lawyers can help file your claim against the negligent manufacturer of these recalled baby formulas.
- Why Was Similac Baby Formula Recalled?
- What Symptoms are Caused by the Similac Formula?
- Can I Sue Similac?
- Other Lawsuits Against Similac
- Contact a Similac Recall Lawyers
Why Was Similac Baby Formula Recalled?
Similac baby formula was voluntarily recalled due to at least four consumer complaints relating to bacterial infections in infants who have consumed the powdered infant formula.
The FDA is advising consumers to not use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:
- The first two digits of the code on the container are 22 through 37
- The code contains K8, SH or Z2
- The expiration date is April 1, 2022, or later
On February 28, 2022, Abbott recalled a lot of Similac PM 60/40 also manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. Lot #27032K80, in a can, and Lot # 27032K800, in a case.
Similac manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition, released a statement that they found evidence of the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii in their Sturgis, Michigan facility, but have not found any evidence of Salmonella. Currently, they have not found any evidence of the bacteria in products produced in other facilities. Abbott has also created a webpage to check your product’s lot number to see if it’s impacted by the Similac recall.
What Symptoms are Caused by the Similac Formula?
Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacterium that has been found in a variety of dry foods, including powdered infant formula, skimmed milk powder, and starches. According to the CDC, Cronobacter illnesses are rare but are often lethal for infants. In infants, this bacteria may cause sepsis or severe meningitis.
Signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Fever
- Excessive crying and irritability
- Poor feeding, stomach pain, or vomiting
- Swollen abdomen or bloody stool
- Seizures
- Jaundice
- Grunting when breathing
- Low energy
To diagnose Cronobacter infection, infants will undergo a full evaluation for sepsis, which includes blood cultures, urine cultures, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Brain imaging studies may also be used.
Can I Sue Similac and Abbott Nutrition?
Abbott Nutrition is being accused of failing to warn caregivers of the potential bacterial infection risks associated with Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in powdered baby formulas.
According to the CDC, the current manufacturing methods for powdered baby formula are not sterile, and it is not currently possible to produce sterile powdered formula. At the factory, Cronobacter could get into the formula powder if contaminated materials were used to make the formula or if the powder touches a contaminated item during the manufacturing process.
If your infant developed a bacterial infection due to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella contamination in your Similac, Alimentum or EleCare formula, you may be entitled to compensation.
Baby Formula Statistics
The chart below shows the popularity of infant formula brands in the United States. According to the US Census data, 3.18 million Americans used Similac formula in 2020.
Other Lawsuits Against Similac
Similac is currently facing multiple lawsuits filed by parents whose infants have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal illness due to their premature infant being fed cow’s milk-based formula. There are currently no settlements, but litigation has been filed and these claims are being pursued.
Contact a Similac Formula Recall Lawyers
If your baby was fed recalled Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formula and later suffered from a bacterial infection, contact Buckfire Law today. You may be eligible for compensation.
Call our Similac formula recall lawyers today for your free case review. We charge no fees unless we win.
References and Resources
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