Baby Formulas Made from Cow Milk Linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Premature Babies

One in ten babies born in the United States in 2020 was premature. There were 3.6 million births that year. That means roughly 360,000 premature newborns. That number shows premature births are not an uncommon occurrence. All babies need special attention and care, even more so for premature babies. However, companies like Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company, LLC have put these vulnerable newborns in mortal danger.

Over 30 years ago, researchers had already linked cows’ milk baby formula to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after observing nearly 1,000 premature infants. Since then, but especially within the last 15 years, the data linking cows’ milk formula to NEC has only gotten stronger.

In fact, the data has gotten so strong that in 2011, the U.S. Surgeon General published The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, a comprehensive study that credibly linked babies who were not breastfed to a 137% increase in the likelihood of developing NEC.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a debilitating intestinal disease that can afflict premature and low birthweight newborns.

(Please be advised: Internet searches of the phrase “necrotizing enterocolitis” will return graphic imagery.)

Symptoms of NEC include:

• Bloating
• Blood in stool
• Bowel death
• Organ failure
• Vomiting of bile

If left untreated, NEC can be fatal. That said, while it is possible for premature newborns who were breastfed to develop NEC (there is no single known cause), the science is rather clear. Cows’ milk baby formulas are an imminent hazard to premature newborns.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also agrees as evidenced by its recall of numerous cows’ milk baby formulas. On August 8, 2021, the FDA initiated the recall of nearly 80,000 units of formula.

However, many more Enfamil® and Similac® products remain on the market. Proceed with caution when feeding your newborn baby. It is also common for hospitals to treat premature babies with cows’ milk formulas.

If you or a loved one had a premature baby who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after ingesting a cows’ milk baby formula, you may have a case. Please contact the experienced attorneys at The Yost Legal Group today. There is no time to waste. Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you recover.