On February 17, 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a voluntary recall of Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare®—all of which were manufactured at Abbott Laboratories’ facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The recall comes after the FDA received one complaint of Salmonella and three complaints of Cronobacter.
According to the FDA, all four complaints reported that the babies had to be hospitalized for bacterial infection. (Infection by either Salmonella or Cronobacter can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.) Tragically, Cronobacter infection may have contributed to death in one baby’s case.
About Salmonella Poisoning
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can lead to:
- Rash
- Headaches
- Body aches
- High fever
- Bloody urine or stool
- Lethargy
In mild cases, salmonellosis can resolve on its own. Please note, however, that children under the age of 5 are known to be at a high risk for salmonellosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Is Cronobacter?
Cronobacter sakazakii, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, infection is rare but often fatal. This is because Cronobacter infection can lead to sepsis, an oft-fatal blood infection, and meningitis, a condition that causes the brain and spinal cord membranes to swell.
Initial signs and symptoms of Cronobacter infection in infants typically include a fever and one or more of the following:
- Crying
- Very low energy/lethargy
- Poor feeding
- Seizures
If you suspect that your child may have been infected by Cronobacter, it is best to take them to a doctor immediately. As mentioned, Cronobacter infection may lead to serious health complications that may cause either long-term or life-ending problems. For example, the CDC reports that about 4 out of every 10 babies diagnosed with Cronobacter-related meningitis may die.
What Formula Has Been Recalled?
The FDA recall only affects lots of Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare® that meet the following criteria:
- Manufactured at Abbott’s Sturgis facility;
- Set to expire on or after April 1, 2022 (4/1/22);
- Has a long product number that starts with digits between 22 and 37; and
- Has a product number that contains K8, SH, or Z2.
It is strongly recommended that parents who use these types of powdered infant formula check the products in their kitchen. Abbott has not specified how many powdered infant formula units have been affected, and it is likely that parents may have unknowingly stocked their cabinets with toxic infant formula.
If you have already given your child one of these recalled products, it is highly recommended that you monitor your child for symptoms. Should any arise, don’t hesitate to take them to a medical professional. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
Baby Formula Recall 2022: Have You Been Affected?
As a parent, you want to do everything possible to protect your child; it is truly heartbreaking to see your baby suffer because of corporate negligence. If your baby has been injured or infected by Salmonella or Cronobacter, you may have a chance to hold Abbott accountable. In addition, you could recover compensation to settle debts related to your child’s infection, hospital treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we are committed to advocating for infants harmed by toxic baby formula. Whether Similac, Alimentum, EleCare, or another toxic baby formula was to blame, we will work to hold the manufacturer responsible for putting children across the nation at risk of severe injury. For over 40 years, our Pittsburgh attorneys have fought for victims of negligence in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Call our Pittsburgh office at (844) 383-0565 to get in touch with our award-winning trial lawyers. Your consultation is free!