Abbott Similac Lawsuit: The 2022 Formula Recall and the MDL

The Recall

In February 2022, Abbott recalled certain lots of powdered Similac, Alimentum and EleCare infant formula made at its Sturgis, Michigan plant after reports of infants who developed bacterial infections. The concern centered on Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella — pathogens that are rare but can be devastating for newborns. The recall, and the plant shutdown that followed, also contributed to a nationwide formula shortage.

FDA inspectors reported finding evidence of Cronobacter at the facility and a history of contamination there over prior years.

The Litigation

Families filed lawsuits alleging that contaminated formula caused serious infant illness, and in some cases death, and that Abbott failed to maintain a safe facility and adequately warn. The federal cases were consolidated as multidistrict litigation — In re: Recalled Abbott Infant Formula Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3037, in the Northern District of Illinois — to coordinate pretrial proceedings.

These are separate from a larger, distinct set of cases alleging that cow’s-milk-based premature-infant formula can cause a serious intestinal disease (NEC); this page concerns the 2022 contamination recall specifically.

What Parents Should Know

For a recall-contamination claim, the evidence is the specific recalled product and lot, the infant’s medical records, and the timing of illness. There is no broad approved settlement fund, so any “sign up for your Similac payout” site is lead capture. Pediatric care is the priority; the legal claim follows the medical record.