Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Sturgis powdered-formula recall and shortage
Abbott recalled specified lots of powdered Similac and other formulas made at its Sturgis, Michigan, plant after reports of infant illnesses and regulatory concerns about possible Cronobacter contamination and plant conditions. The shutdown contributed to a severe U.S. infant-formula shortage. The recall concerned specified products and lots, not necessarily every Similac product.
2022
Parent sues Abbott over alleged infant formula injuries
Lawsuit filed
A parent filed a complaint against Abbott Laboratories alleging that Abbott cow’s-milk-based formula and/or fortifier caused a premature infant to develop NEC and that the products were misleadingly marketed and inadequately warned about potential risks. These are allegations in the complaint, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
The counts against Abbott are strict liability, negligence and failure to warn.
A parent filed a complaint in the Northern District of Illinois against Abbott Laboratories for the alleged injuries suffered by the plaintiff’s premature infant after feeding the baby Abbott’s cow’s milk-based formula and/or fortifier.
According to Wednesday’s complaint, Abbott’s products “caused the injured infant to develop Necrotizing Enterocolitis (hereinafter ‘NEC’), a life-threatening and potentially deadly intestinal disease characterized by inflammation and injury of the gut wall barrier that may advance to necrosis and perforation of the gut.”
2022
Abbott expands recall of Similac PM 60/40 formula
Recall announced
Abbott Nutrition expanded its recall to include some lots of Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula following another report of a dangerous bacterial infection. The source notes that the company had recalled three other powdered formulas the previous month.
Source excerpt
Abott Nutrition is expanding its recall of baby formula to include some lots of Similac PM 60/40 powdered infant formula, due to another report of a dangerous bacterial infection.
2022
Abbott recalls six lots of Similac Alimentum in Vietnam
Recall announced
Abbott Laboratories GmbH’s Hanoi representative office announced a voluntary recall in Vietnam of six lots of Similac Alimentum Eye-Q powdered infant formula because they potentially contained two kinds of dangerous bacteria. The article reports that 7,050 cartons had entered the market and that the importer notified customers about the recall.
Company response
Recall — Abbott
The representative office of Abbott Laboratories GmbH in Hanoi has announced a voluntary recall of six lots of Similac Alimentum Eye-Q products in Vietnam as they potentially contain two kinds of dangerous bacteria, Vietnam’s food safety authorities have reported.
Source excerpt
The representative office of Abbott Laboratories GmbH in Hanoi has announced a voluntary recall of six lots of Similac Alimentum Eye-Q products in Vietnam as they potentially contain two kinds of dangerous bacteria, Vietnam’s food safety authorities have reported.
A total of 11,320 cartons of Similac Alimentum Eye-Q, with six 400-gram cans per carton, has been imported into Vietnam by Ho Chi Minh City-based 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited.
The importer has sent a notice to its customers about the recall of this infant formula item in Vietnam.
2022
Similac Alimentum infant formula recall in South Africa
Recall announced
Abbott Laboratories-Nutrition issued a voluntary global recall that included Similac Alimentum 400g infant formula in South Africa after testing confirmed Cronobacter and Salmonella in the product. Consumers were urged to stop using affected products and return them for a full refund.
Company response
Refund or compensation — National Consumer Commission
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged consumers in possession of Similac Alimentum 400g infant formula to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
Source excerpt
Internal testings confirmed the presence of both Cronobacter and Salmonella Microoganisms in the product,
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged consumers in possession of Similac Alimentum 400g infant formula to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
A product recall has been issued for Similac Alimentum 400g Infant Formula in South Africa, as part of a global voluntary recall issued by US-based manufacturer Abbott Laboratories-Nutrition.
2022
Abbott China initiates a voluntary recall of infant nutrition products
Recall announced
Abbott China initiated a voluntary recall of the Similac HMFortifi specialized medical-use infant nutrition supplement that had been exported to China, following reports involving infants who consumed certain Abbott-produced formula products and an FDA investigation.
Company response
Recall — 雅培中国
雅培中国已启动自主召回
Source excerpt
据海关总署官网消息，2022年2月18日，美国食品和药品监督管理局（FDA）宣布，正在调查四名婴儿感染坂崎克罗诺杆菌和新港沙门氏菌事件的投诉。FDA称，据报告，这四名婴儿均食用了美国雅培公司在密歇根州斯特吉斯的工厂（注册编号为1815692）生产的奶粉（品牌包括Similac、Alimentum和EleCare）
涉事企业生产的特医产品Similac HMFortifi 喜康宝贝添特殊医学用途婴儿营养补充剂有对华出口记录，雅培中国已启动自主召回。
2022
Abbott recalls selected powdered infant formulas
Recall announced
Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled selected Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas manufactured at its Sturgis, Michigan facility after reports of illnesses involving Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella.
Company response
Recall — Abbott Nutrition
Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare products manufactured in their Sturgis, Michigan facility.
Source excerpt
Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare products manufactured in their Sturgis, Michigan facility.
The products have been recalled due to four babies becoming ill from Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella.
2022
Abbott recalls potentially affected powdered infant formulas
Recall announced
Abbott said it was recalling potentially affected products manufactured at its Sturgis, Michigan facility after reports of infant illnesses linked to bacterial contamination. The recall affected certain products with expiration dates of April 1, 2022, or later. Abbott expressed regret for the concern and inconvenience the situation would cause.
Company response
Apology — Abbott
We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals.
Source excerpt
Abbott, one of the country's largest infant formula makers, said it is recalling all potentially affected products manufactured at the Sturgis, Michigan facility.
We deeply regret the concern and inconvenience this situation will cause parents, caregivers and health care professionals.
The recall affects certain products with expiration dates of April 1, 2022, or later.
2022
Abbott announces recall of three infant-formula product lines
Recall announced
Abbott announced a voluntary recall of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formula produced at its Sturgis, Michigan factory. The article identifies affected product codes and expiration dates.
Company response
Recall — Abbott
当地时间2月17日，雅培全球官网发布主动召回信息
Source excerpt
当地时间2月17日，雅培全球官网发布主动召回信息，召回密歇根州Sturgis工厂生产的Similac、Alimentum和EleCare三个系列的奶粉。
Necrotizing-enterocolitis litigation
Lawsuits brought by families of premature infants have alleged that Abbott’s marketing and warnings did not adequately communicate claimed risks associated with cow’s-milk-based formulas or fortifiers and NEC. The allegations are contested and case outcomes vary.