NEC Baby Formula Litigation Grows as Reckitt Benckiser Explores Sale of Mead Johnson Nutrition Division

Litigation involving necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) baby formula claims continues to expand nationwide as lawsuits against infant formula manufacturers move forward in both federal and state courts.

The lawsuits focus on cow’s milk-based formulas manufactured by companies including Reckitt Benckiser subsidiary Mead Johnson, maker of Enfamil, and Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac. Families allege the products significantly increase the risk of NEC in premature infants and that manufacturers failed to adequately warn parents and healthcare providers.

The growing number of cases has also drawn attention to Reckitt Benckiser’s nutrition business, as the company is reportedly exploring the potential sale of its Mead Johnson infant formula division while litigation continues.

The NEC baby formula litigation

More than 775 lawsuits are currently consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Additional NEC lawsuits are pending in state courts across the country.

The lawsuits allege manufacturers knew or should have known that premature infants fed cow’s milk-based formulas face a significantly increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis compared to those fed human breast milk.

Despite this risk, plaintiffs claim manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to parents and medical professionals, even as the products continued to be widely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

What is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious and often life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature and medically fragile infants.

The condition causes inflammation and bacterial invasion of the intestine, which can lead to intestinal tissue death, infection, and other severe complications. Some infants require emergency surgery to remove damaged portions of the intestine, and the disease can result in long-term health complications or death.

Prior NEC baby formula verdicts

Several NEC baby formula cases have already resulted in significant jury verdicts, including:

• A $495 million verdict involving Abbott’s Similac
• A $60 million verdict involving Mead Johnson’s Enfamil

These verdicts have drawn increased public attention to the litigation as additional cases move forward.

Levin Papantonio’s role

Levin Papantonio attorney Andy Childers serves as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in the NEC baby formula multidistrict litigation.

“For decades, manufacturers of cow’s milk-based formulas have been aware of the serious risks that these products pose to vulnerable infants, yet they failed to adequately warn doctors and parents. The growing body of evidence in this litigation continues to reveal the devastating impact these products have had on premature infants and their families,”

Sara Papantonio, attorney at Levin Papantonio

Free case review

Levin Papantonio is investigating claims on behalf of families whose premature infants developed NEC after receiving cow’s milk-based infant formulas or fortifiers, including Enfamil products.

If your child was diagnosed with NEC after receiving cow’s milk-based formula in the NICU, you may have legal options. Contact Levin Papantonio for a free and confidential consultation.