Baby Formula Recall – Is Your Baby’s Formula Making Him Or Her Sick?

Recent studies have suggested a link between cow’s milk-based (bovine) infant formula and a gastrointestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The manufacturers of these infant formulas including Mead Johnson (Enfamil) and Abbott Laboratories (Similac) have failed to inform consumers of this link. This has endangered the lives of many infants, particularly those in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units where milk-based formulas are often used.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants born before 32 weeks gestation and weighed under 3.25 lbs at birth. NEC causes intestinal tissue inflammation, resulting in necrosis. Perforations may form in the intestine. When perforations form bacteria can then travel through the abdomen or bloodstream.

Any newborn can get NEC. But it is most common in very sick or premature babies who were fed milk-based formula.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

NEC symptoms usually begin 2-6 weeks after birth. The symptoms may come on gradually over several days or appear suddenly.

Necrotizing enterocolitis symptoms include:

• Abdominal swelling and pain
• Slow digestion
• Trouble feeding
• Heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing changes
• Diarrhea and/or dark or bloody stools
• Constipation
• Yellow or green vomit (indicating presence of bile)
• Lethargy
• Diminished appetite
• Weight gain difficulties

The symptoms of NEC may be similar to symptoms of other conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

NEC complications

Babies who have been diagnosed with NEC will require treatment and ongoing monitoring. NEC can be cured however, an infection in the intestines is hard for a baby to fight. Even with treatment, there may be serious problems. Some of these issues include:

•  A hole in the intestine
• Scars or narrow areas (strictures) in the intestine
• Not able to properly absorb food and nutrients. This can happen when a portion of your child’s intestine has been removed.
• Sepsis (a severe infection affecting the entire body)
• Developmental delays and growth failure
• Death

80 percent of infant formulas sold are cow’s milk-based. Some of the most popular brands include:

Enfamil                              Similac                               Gerber

Parent’s Choice               Happy Baby                      Go & Grow

Kendamil                           Earth’s Best                       Baby’s Only

Lebenswert                       Up & Up                             Bobbie

How can the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys, Gay and Chacker Help You?

If your premature infant developed NEC after consuming Enfamil, Similac or any other milk-based formula contact the Attorneys at Gay and Chacker. Our Team of Lawyers has the compassion, knowledge, and experience to help you get justice for the harm your baby and family have suffered. Contact us today for a free consultation!