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The Link Between NEC and Baby Formula

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How is infant formula linked to NEC in babies?

The exact cause of necrotizing enterocolitis has not necessarily been identified, but medical researchers have evaluated a few potential contributing factors that may explain why premature babies are suffering from the disease. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development points to a few potential causes, such as inadequate blood circulation, reduced blood flow, low oxygen levels during birth, and poor immune regulation.

But, there is one compelling explanation that medical and legal experts are considering to be a likely cause for NEC. Compared to babies born full-term, premature babies will usually have underdeveloped immune and digestive systems, making their bodies less able to fight back against dangerous bacteria. Since NEC is an inflammatory illness, excess or harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines could be a major contributing factor for the disease.

Thanks to multiple academic studies and research efforts, scientists have associated a specific germ called Cronobacter sakazakii with necrotizing enterocolitis. Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of harmful bacteria naturally found in the environment that can cause infections like sepsis and meningitis. It’s known to survive in low-moisture, dry foods like powdered baby formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, starches, and other pantry staples.

Since 2022, multiple manufacturers have voluntarily recalled some of their powdered infant formulas due to Cronobacter sakazakii contamination. 

Which baby formula products could cause NEC?

Dozens of cows’ milk formulas were recalled at one point due to Cronobacter sakazakii contamination, and many other formulas have been named in lawsuits filed by parents whose infants developed NEC. Two brands have been frequently named in the NEC lawsuit: Similac infant formula (by Abbott Nutrition) and Enfamil infant formula (by Reckitt and Mead Johnson).

Though this list isn’t exhaustive, here are some of the baby formulas that could potentially put your baby at risk:

  • Similac 360 Total Care 
  • Similac Advance 
  • Similac Pro-Advance 
  • Similac Special Care 
  • Similac Pro-Total Comfort
  • Similac Organic 
  • Similac Sensitive
  • Similac Total Comfort
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier 
  • Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
  • Similac Alimentum
  • Similac NeoSure
  • Elecare Similac
  • Elecare Similac Gold
  • Elecare Similac HMO
  • Elecare LCP Hypoallergenic
  • Abbott Elecare
  • Abbott Elecare Junior
  • Enfamil Premature (24 & 30 cal)
  • Enfamil 24 cal 
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare 
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
  • Enfamil Nutramigen
  • Enfamil Enspire 
  • Enfamil Enfagrow Toddler
  • Enfamil Enfagrow Premium Toddler
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier
  • Enfamil DHA-In-SOL
  • Enfamil DHA & ARA Supplement
  • Prosobee Simply Plant-Based

What are formula manufacturers doing to protect babies from NEC?

Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled several lots of Similac infant formula when strains of Cronobacter sakazakii were found at a manufacturing plant in 2022. Then in 2023, Reckitt/Mead Johnson voluntarily recalled select batches of Nutramigen Enfamil Infant formula for Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

Other than these voluntary recalls, Abbott Nutrition and Reckitt/Mead Johnson have failed to take any preventative action to protect premature babies from developing NEC. They have not made any changes to their cows’ milk formulas, added any warning labels about NEC to their products, or owned up to any wrongdoing. It’s up to parents whose babies suffered from NEC to hold these companies accountable and prevent more children from developing this terrible disease.

Join the NEC lawsuit

If your baby developed NEC and needed surgery after being fed Similac or Enfamil infant formula, check your family’s eligibility to join the NEC lawsuit for a settlement.

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See if you qualify for the NEC lawsuit.

Referenced Articles

The references used by our writers at FreeLegalReviews.com are deemed to be from credible and reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, court records, non-profit organizations, government agencies, highly regarded news media, and legal subject experts. Before making any medical or financial decisions, please seek the opinion of a qualified professional.
  1. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021, December 16). Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/nec
  2. National Library of Medicine. (2023, April 28). Necrotizing enterocolitis. Medline Plus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001148.htm
  1. Shulhan, J., Dicken, B., et al. (2017, January.) Current Knowledge of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants and the Impact of Different Types of Enteral Nutrition Products. Advances in Nutrition, 8 (1), pp. 80–91. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.013193
  2. Acker, J., Smet, F., et al. Outbreak of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Associated with Enterobacter sakazakii in Powdered Milk Formula. (2001, January 1). Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 39 (1), pp. 293–297. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1128%2FJCM.39.1.293-297.2001
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, August 8). Cronobacter sakazakii. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cronobacter-sakazakii
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022, August 1). FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, December 31). Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder Because of Possible Health Risk. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/reckittmead-johnson-nutrition-voluntarily-recalls-select-batches-nutramigen-hypoallergenic-infant
  6. Abbott Laboratories. (n.d.). Abbott Recall | Powder Infant Formulas & 2 fl oz Ready-to-Feed Liquid Products. Retrieved from https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html
  7. Massey, K., Llamas, M. (2024, September 3). Enfamil Lawsuit. Drugwatch. Retrieved from https://www.drugwatch.com/baby-formula/lawsuits/enfamil/

About the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit

Products at-risk

All cows’ milk infant formulas made by Similac and Enfamil.

Who's being sued?
  • Similac, by Abbott Nutrition
  • Enfamil, by Reckitt and Mead Johnson
Eligible conditions for the NEC baby formula lawsuit:
Further Reading
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