Walmart Recalls 23,000 Containers Baby Formula Over Metal Contamination
Perrigo Company is recalling over 23,000 containers of baby formula over concerns the products may contain tiny pieces of metal, according to an FDA recall letter [1] issued on Saturday. Affected products were sold exclusively at Walmart stores, and include 23,388 35 oz. containers of Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron, FDA said.

The recalled baby formula has a Lot Code of C26EVFV and a “use by” date of February 26, 2021, on the bottom of the package.

To date, FDA is not aware of any injuries or other adverse events associated with the recalled baby formula, and the problem was discovered following a consumer complaint to FDA's MAUDE reporting system.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If your child or other loved one developed symptoms of food poisoning after eating baby formula, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.

Baby Formula Recall List

Solgar Recall

Three lots of the probiotic ABC Dophilus were recalled in Nov. 2014 when a premature baby died after being given the supplement in a hospital, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [2]. The agency determined that the affected product contained Rhizopus oryzae [3], a fungus that can cause a severe infection of the sinus, lungs, intestines and skin called mucormycosis [4].

Baby Dies from Infection Linked to ABC Dophilus

On Nov. 17, 2014, FDA announced a nationwide recall [5] for 3 lots of ABC Dophilus Powder after it was found to contain Rhizopus oryzae.

ABC Dophilus was used as part of the in-hospital treatment course for a preterm infant who died after being given the product. The baby suffered from multiple complications, including intestinal mucormycosis, and died on Oct. 11, 2014. CDC investigators later found Rhizopus oryzae fungus in containers of ABC Dophilus with the same lot number as the product given to the deceased infant.

Which Products Were Recalled?

Product Recalled: Solgar ABC Dophilus® Powder NET Wt. 1.75 oz (50 g)
UPC Code: 0 33984 00010 0
Label: Solgar
Lot Numbers: Lot# 074024-01R1, 074024-01, 074024-02
Expiration Date: 7/31/15

ABC Dophilus products affected by this recall were distributed to Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Maine, Montana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Washington.

What is ABC Dophilus Powder?

ABC Dophilus Powder is a probiotic blend of bacteria specially formulated to maintain digestive health in children and infants. The supplement can be purchased over the counter for use at home, and is also used in some hospitals.

Medical studies [6] have found that probiotics may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammation and necrosis (death of tissue) of the bowel. ABC Dophilus Powder is manufactured by Solgar Inc. of Leonia, New Jersey.

Rhizopus Oryzae

Rhizopus oryzae is a common fungus found in decaying organic matter like leaves and rotting wood. An outbreak of mucormycosis of the skin caused by rhizopus oryzae occurred during the cleanup of the Joplin, Missouri tornado in 2011. According to a Solgar spokesperson, because the fungus is so ubiquitous, “the exact source of where this mold came from is extremely difficult to determine.” ABC Dophilus is made for Solgar by a contract manufacturer, but the company declined to name its supplier.

SimplyThick Recall

FDA warns parents and nursing staff not to feed babies SimplyThick [7], a product used to help babies with swallowing difficulties, because it had been linked to a life-threatening skin disorder known as necrotizing entercolitis (NEC), which is characterized by a severe blistering and peeling of the skin.

The agency was aware of at least 15 cases of NEC -- including 2 infant deaths -- linked to SimplyThick.

SimplyThick is added to breast milk and formula to help keep food down without spitting up, and may also be used in older children and adults with swallowing problems caused by throat trauma.

Reports of negative side effects associated with SimplyThick first surfaced on May 13, 2011, with 2 reports to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system [8]. Nationwide, at least 4 different medical centers reported toxic epidermal necrolysis in infants during the first half of 2011, FDA said.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a rare but extremely serious medical condition seen almost exclusively in premature infants that is characterized by necrosis (tissue death) in the bowels. The inner lining of the intestines contains millions of normally harmless bacteria called the ‘normal flora’ that are part of the digestive process. In NEC, however, the bacteria begin to attack the intestinal wall.

Eventually, a hole can form through the bowel wall (a perforation), spilling its contents into the abdominal cavity. Bowel perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery and has a high mortality rate.

Although it affects only 1 in 2,000 to 4,000 births, or between 1% and 5% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NEC is the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized preterm infants.

Symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

feeding intolerance
increased gastric residuals
abdominal distention
bloody stools
bloated stomach
greenish-tinged vomiting

(Courtesy Johns Hopkins Medical) [9]

Similac Baby Formula Recall

Abbott Laboratories recalled its Similac formula recall after the FDA said the product could cause internal discomfort and could lead infants to refuse to eat. Affected products included powdered formula (not liquid Similac), and were sold in either in plastic containers or in specific size cans including 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce, and 12.9-ounce cans.

Similac has also recently been linked to an increased risk for necrotizing entercolitis.

Related: Similac Lawsuit

Enfamil Baby Formula Linked to NEC

Enfamil, another cow's milk-based baby formula like Similac, has recently been linked to necrotizing entercolitis. Premature infants who are fed Enfamil may develop a perforation (hole) in their intestines.

Dangerous bacteria can leak into the abdomen or bloodstream through the hole. Children develop NEC within 2 to 6 weeks after birth.

Related: Enfamil Lawsuit

Should You Feed Your Child Baby Formula?

FDA classifies baby formula as a food, not a drug. The products are designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder (mixed with water) or liquid (with or without additional water).

The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) [10] defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk"

Despite conflicting clinical trials and lack of FDA approval, probiotic supplements like ABC Dophilus have been increasingly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a disease of premature infants where the intestinal wall becomes inflamed and bacteria invade the bowel wall.

Can I File a Class Action?

Although Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is a nationally recognized class action firm, we have decided against this type of litigation when it comes to baby formula recall lawsuits.

Our lawyers feel that if there is a successful resolution to these cases, individual suits, not class actions will be the best way to get maximum payouts to our clients. I

f your child or other loved one has been harmed by the side effects of a baby formula product, we know you’ve suffered emotionally and economically, and want to work with you personally to obtain the maximum compensation for the damages caused by your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.

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The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in baby food recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Free Case Evaluation: Again, if your child got sick after eating recalled baby formula products, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

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