Baby Formula Recall & the Link to NEC On Top of a Nationwide Shortage

Introduction

Recently, the nation has suffered a supply chain issue because of a recall of baby formula due to the parts per million of arsenic found in the baby formula. That issue is compounded by the fact that there is a baby formula production shortage by the manufacturers, leading to a nationwide baby formula crisis. In a previous blog, we identified that the reason for the recall of baby formula was due to the excessive amounts of parts per million of arsenic that was found in the baby formula by multiple brands of manufacturers. Many of these are the nation’s leader in supply of baby formula to the general public at large. Because of the recall due to the arsenic and other trace materials found to be incredibly harmful not only to infants and babies, but also to grown adults, the nation is experiencing a shortage. 

Shortage

According to sfgate.com, “media reports have highlighted the plight of mothers, fathers and caregivers across the U.S. who have scrambled to find scarce supplies or driven long distances to buy formula.” “Some major retailers and stores are now instituting a limit on how much baby formula you can buy due to an ongoing shortage of the product.” Essentially, manufacturers such as Abbott Laboratories Issued the recall which increased the, “baby formula shortages in U.S. stores throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, said Steven Abrams, M.D., professor of pediatrics at University of Texas Dell Medical School.”

Injury Criteria

The main issue currently identify with the baby formula litigation currently is necrotizing enterocolitis of infants. This is also known as NEC and can be fatal for infants. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills some tissue in your baby’s colon. Any newborn can get NEC. But it’s most common in very sick or premature babies. According to Stanford children’s health, “Any premature baby is at risk for NEC, but babies who don’t get human milk are more likely to get NEC.” This is because human milk is much easier for the infant system to digest. And the ease of the digestion can also help fight off dangerous cells that can lead to infection in a premature baby. 

Michael Brady Lynch Firm

Here at the Michael Brady Lynch firm, we litigate multidistrict Litigation mass tort cases. If you were loved one have been injured by baby formula containing arsenic, please give us a call at 888-585-5970 or alternatively email us at brandon@mblynchfirm.com.