OhioHealth Mothers Milk Bank Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank has issued a recall for donor breast milk products distributed across 9 U.S. states due to a lack of proper pasteurization. The recalled donor milk may pose a serious health risk to medically fragile babies if bacteria or viruses are present due to incomplete processing.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

If your child became ill after consuming donor breast milk from OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping families affected by contaminated or unsafe infant products. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What’s the Problem?

In July 2025, OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank voluntarily recalled donor breast milk products distributed across nine states due to a lack of proper pasteurization. The milk, intended for medically fragile infants, may pose a serious health risk if pathogens such as bacteria or viruses are present due to incomplete processing [1.].

The FDA issued a warning following the recall, emphasizing the increased risk of illness in vulnerable infants. As of now, no illnesses have been confirmed, but the recall was categorized as a Class I recall, the most serious type, due to the potential for severe harm or death.

Although we are not aware of any lawsuits currently filed against OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, we are actively investigating potential claims involving infant illness, hospitalization, or long-term complications linked to the use of the recalled donor milk.

 

OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank Lawsuit Statistics

  • Market Reach: OhioHealth’s Mothers’ Milk Bank is one of only a few dozen HMBANA-accredited facilities in the U.S., supplying donor milk to multiple hospitals across at least nine states.
  • Recall Volume: Approximately 20 gallons of unpasteurized donor milk were distributed before the recall was issued.
  • Legal Activity: As of August 2025, no class action lawsuits have been filed, but individual claim reviews are ongoing.
  • Potential Damages: Cases involving infant illness or hospitalization from contaminated milk could result in damages exceeding $100,000 per claim depending on severity and long-term health consequences.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall was issued after internal audits revealed that a specific batch of donor milk had bypassed the final pasteurization stage. This exposed recipients to heightened risks of bacterial or viral infection, particularly infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

The agency categorized the incident as a Class I recall, the highest risk level, due to the possibility of life-threatening consequences in premature or medically vulnerable babies.

OhioHealth Donor Milk Injuries & Side Effects

Improperly processed breast milk can lead to several serious health risks in infants, particularly preemies or those with underdeveloped immune systems.

  • Sepsis: Blood infections caused by bacteria in unpasteurized milk; potentially life-threatening if not treated immediately.
  • Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): A rare but deadly intestinal disease that disproportionately affects preterm infants.
  • Respiratory Distress: Caused by bacterial infections that can impair lung function.

Do You Qualify for an OhioHealth Milk Bank Lawsuit?

You may qualify to file a claim if:

  • You or your hospital received milk from OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank between June 15 and June 25, 2025
  • Your infant consumed the milk and later suffered illness, infection, or hospitalization
  • You have medical documentation linking the injury to consumption of the recalled milk

Evidence Required for an OhioHealth Milk Lawsuit

To pursue legal action, you’ll need:

  • Hospital or NICU documentation showing the use of donor milk from OhioHealth
  • Medical records detailing the child’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
  • Proof of the recall batch (labels, delivery records, or facility logs)

Damages You Can Recover

Potential compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses (including NICU costs, hospitalization, medication)
  • Future medical care for complications related to contamination
  • Pain and suffering of the infant and family
  • Punitive damages, if gross negligence is proven

OhioHealth Milk Bank Recall Information

Recall Date: July 15, 2025

Recalled Product: Donor breast milk (unpasteurized batches)

Distribution: 9 states, including Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky

Cause: Processing error leading to lack of pasteurization

Regulatory Action: FDA issued a Class I recall notice; OhioHealth conducted a voluntary recall and internal investigation

Statute of Limitations for Milk Recall Lawsuits

The time limit to file a lawsuit varies by state, but in many jurisdictions, product liability claims must be filed within 2 to 3 years of the injury or discovery of harm.

Some states extend the deadline for minors or in cases involving medical malpractice. To protect your right to compensation, it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a donor milk recall lawsuit?

You’ll need to contact a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and file the claim within your state’s legal time limits.

Who qualifies to sue over the OhioHealth milk recall?

Parents of infants who consumed the affected milk and became ill may qualify to file a lawsuit.

What damages can I recover?

Compensation may cover medical bills, pain and suffering, future care needs, and possibly punitive damages.

How long do I have to file?

The deadline varies by state but typically ranges from 2–3 years from the date of injury or discovery.

Is this a class action lawsuit?

No class action has been filed yet, but individual cases may lead to larger consolidated actions depending on how many families were affected.

How do I prove the milk caused my baby’s illness?

Documentation from hospitals and doctors showing the timeline of symptoms and diagnosis is essential, along with proof of the milk source.

What if my baby hasn’t shown symptoms yet?

Speak with your pediatrician and consult a lawyer; some health effects may emerge later, and early documentation is helpful.

What’s the first step?

Call our legal team for a free consultation and let us guide you through your options.

Start Your Free Case Review Now

References

  1. https://www.newsweek.com/baby-milk-recall-nine-states-fda-risk-warning-2109036

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