Abbotts Salmonella Lawyer Update: Two Deaths Linked to Recalled Baby Formula.
Following the recall of three brands of baby formula brands sold by the company Abbott, the first official case of salmonella linked to the recall was announced by the West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources and Bureau of Public Health. The announcement of the first salmonella case came after state health officials investigated four complaints of infants becoming ill after consuming the recalled baby formulas. According to Health Department Officials, as of January 4, 2022, the number of reported illnesses thus far is four reported cases of Cronobacter, and one laboratory-confirmed salmonella case. All five infants who became ill after ingesting the contaminated formula required hospitalization, and two of the victims diagnosed with Cronobacter died due to complications with their conditions.
The three brands of baby formula believed to be linked to the five reported illnesses are Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. A recall on certain lot numbers of the baby formula was issued on February 17, 2022, due to the potential contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport. The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, containing K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.
Abbott’s stated that during the quality processes they conducted routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in their manufacturing facilities. During the testing performed in Abbot’s Sturgis, Michigan facility, Cronobacter sakazakii was discovered in the non-product contact areas, but no evidence of Salmonella Newport was found. Health officials collected samples of three of the baby formulas linked to the illnesses were tested for potential contamination, but the results were negative for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport, or other pathogens. The investigation of the illnesses linked to the baby formula is still ongoing, and the recall of the contaminated product will continue out of an abundance of caution.
Both Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii can be very fatal illnesses for infants, as has been seen in this current outbreak. Parents who believe they may have given the contaminated formula to their children should be on the lookout for symptoms such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool. Ron Simon, a National Salmonella Lawyer, stated:
“Many factors go into establishing negligence, including but not limited to product liability, marketing defect, failure to warn, breach of warranty, etc. Food poisoning cases are highly dependent on fact-specific evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding your illness. Your food poisoning lawyer will work closely with experts and investigators to uncover what happened before your illness occurred. Legal theories in food poisoning cases include strict liability, breach of warranty, and negligence.”
For more information on the Abbotts Baby Formula Recall, to speak to a Food Poisoning Lawyer, or inquire about a Food poisoning Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.
