EleCare infant formula was recalled after it was linked to a deadly outbreak of Cronobacter and Salmonella infections in babies.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting EleCare induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby had an infection from EleCare formula, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Baby Formula Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
EleCare Recalled After Deadly Infection Outbreak
In February 2022, Abbott Laboratories recalled Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered baby formula manufactured at a facility in Sturgis, Michigan, after a deadly infection outbreak in babies.
Full List of Recalled EleCare Baby Formula Products
The following products are included in the recall if they have all three items below:
- 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
EleCare Products
Abbott EleCare
Abbott EleCare Amino Acid-Based Powder Infant Formula with Iron
Abbott EleCare Infant Formula Unflavoured
Abbott EleCare Junior Vanilla
Abbott EleCare Jr Similac Vanilla
Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Unflavored
Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Banana
Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Chocolate
Abbott EleCare Similac
Abbott EleCare Similac Gold
Abbott Similac EleCare HMO
Abbott Similac EleCare
EleCare LCP Hypoallergenic
What Happened?
Four babies were hospitalized, including one who died, after being fed Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare formula. They were infected with two types of bacteria: Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.
Abbott Laboratories admitted that they found Cronobacter in their facility: “During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport.”
EleCare Baby Formula Recall Information
The EleCare formula recall involves all powdered baby formula products manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, with expiration dates of April 2022 or later.
The products have a code on the bottom of the can — the first two digits are 22 through 37, and the code also contains K8, SH, or Z2.
How Many Babies Were Infected?
Four illnesses were reported (3 babies with Cronobacter and 1 baby with Salmonella). All four babies had to be hospitalized, including one baby with Cronobacter who died. The illnesses were reported in Minnesota (1), Ohio (1), and Texas (2) between September 6, 2021 and December 18, 2021.
Cronobacter Infections in Infants
Cronobacter is a deadly bacteria that can grow in powdered baby formula. The illnesses is rare, but it is often deadly for young infants.
Cronobacter used to be called “enterobacter sakazakii” — and it has been linked to severe infections in babies, particularly low-birth-weight premature infants. The risks include:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (intestinal infection)
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord)
- Death
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Lawsuits
Abbott Laboratories is already facing a growing number of baby formula lawsuits involving premature babies who were fed formula and developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), which is an intestinal side effect that is often deadly in babies.
Symptoms of Cronobacter Infections in Babies
- Fever
- Very low energy
- Poor feeding
- Irritability
- Temperature changes
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Grunting breaths
- Abnormal movements
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Intestinal damage
Do I have an EleCare Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting EleCare induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby had an infection from EleCare formula, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Baby Formula Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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