A whistleblower report regarding unsanitary conditions and possible contamination at the Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan plant is complicating the formula shortage, according to the toxic baby formula lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm. According to the report of a former Abbott employee, made public last month, the Sturgis, Michigan plant had released untested formula and had lax cleaning schedules. Now, lawsuits have been filed by parents of babies that have died from consuming products made at that plant. The toxic baby formula lawyers at our firm are investigating claims that Abbott baby formula caused serious injury or harm in infants.
Plant Closure and Formula Recall
Earlier this year, Abbott closed the Sturgis, Michigan plant and recalled formula after reports of deaths of two babies who had consumed the formula. A recent inspection of the plant by the FDA uncovered multiple health and safety compliance issues. Most troubling, the FDA inspection concluded that the infant formula was produced in unsanitary conditions and may possibly be contaminated with a bacteria known as Cronobacter sakazakii.
Additional reports dating back to 2019 show a that the FDA had noted problems with Abbott’s testing and sanitation processes. This year’s investigation after the formula recall found multiple conditions that could promote bacteria growth. These conditions included sharing equipment, standing water, and missing protective gear.
Lawsuits Filed
Toxic baby formula lawyers are now claiming that their clients had infants who contracted Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport from Abbott formula. They claim deviation from good manufacturing process may have placed infants at risk for many years.
So far, Abbott has not responded to the lawsuits. However, lawyers for the plaintiffs have moved to assemble multi-district legislation before a single judge, anticipating that additional lawsuits may be filed in the future.
Formula Shortages and Where to Find Resources to Help
The plant closure and recall has compounded an already serious baby formula shortage. Some parents may be hesitant to use any Abbott formula, and others are struggling to find available products at all. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following resources to help locate resources for feeding your infant:
- Call 211 to connect to the United Way’s community resource specialists who may be able to help direct you to local food banks and other charitable sources of infant formula
- Contact the Human Milk Banking Association of North America to connect with an accredited milk bank for mothers in need
- Contact your local WIC office (based on your eligibility for this program) to identify sources of local infant formula near you.
Contact a Toxic Baby Formula Lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm
If you suspect that your baby was harmed by toxic baby formula, contact the lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC. Our lawyers are investigating claims of Abbott toxic baby formula, and we can provide you with the legal options and resources for filing a claim. Call 215-666-7777 or send us a message via the online form to speak directly with a lawyer.
