More Lawsuits + More Recalls... WTF?!
Another lawsuit has been filed against Abbott Global / Similac, this time, specifically regarding Cronobacter Sakazakii. An Illinois judge ruled on Wednesday that the parents of a 13-day-old baby girl who died last year can proceed with their lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories. The baby, who passed away on November 5, 2023, was infected with Cronobacter sakazakii, a dangerous bacteria that was associated with a can of Similac Total Comfort powdered formula. This had been used to prepare her bottles.
This ruling comes in the wake of ongoing scrutiny of Abbott’s production practices. The baby’s parents are suing the company, alleging that their negligence led to the tragic death of their daughter. This lawsuit is not the first against Abbott (far from it); in December 2022, another suit was filed after similar reports of infant illnesses and deaths, which were linked to the company’s Sturgis, Michigan plant. The Sturgis facility had been closed for months following an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inspectors discovered alarming conditions, including the presence of Cronobacter, which prompted a recall and contributed to a nationwide formula shortage. Despite being under court-mandated oversight by the FDA, Abbott continued to face serious issues. The formula consumed by the 13-day-old infant was purchased at a Walmart store more than a year after the oversight began.
Additionally, the case has brought to light concerns about Abbott’s plant in Casa Grande, Arizona, where a separate whistleblower complaint was filed, alleging unsafe conditions similar to those found in Sturgis. At least one of the lawsuits recently filed against Abbott also indicate that the formula consumed in that case was produced in Casa Grande, not Sturgis....
Many lawsuits that the infant formula companies have faced have been related to NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), including the two most recent Plaintiff wins against Abbott and Reckitt / Mead Johnson. ICYMI:
What is Cronobacter sakazakii?
Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that can be especially dangerous for newborns and infants. (And immune compromised folks of any age!). While it’s relatively rare, when it does infect babies, it can lead to serious health problems, including sepsis (a dangerous infection that spreads throughout the body), meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain & spinal cord), and in some cases, death. Powdered infant formula is a favorite of Cronobacter because the bacteria can survive in low-moisture, dry conditions. Other common types of foods/environments you may find Cronobacter: powdered milk / sauce products, protein powders, starches (rice, oats, grains, potatoes), herbal teas,. It can also thrive in items such as contaminated, uncleaned breast pump parts & feeding equipment, Cronobacter can also be present in contaminated water/ sewer water and in the general environment.
What Can Be Done To Help Reduce / Prevent Risk of Infection?!
Prepare Formula Safely
Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing a bottle.
Sterilize Bottles and Equipment: Clean and sterilize all bottles, nipples, and feeding utensils before each use, especially when your baby is under three months old, premature, or has a weakened immune system.
Use Hot Water: If using powdered formula, mix it with water that has been boiled and cooled slightly (to about 158°F or 70°C) to kill any potential bacteria. check the manufacturer instructions
Prepare formula in a space that is clean and has also been sanitized! Don't place the scoop or lid directly on the counter to reduce risk of cross-contamination.
Store Formula Properly
Refrigerate Prepared Formula: Store any prepared formula in the refrigerator immediately and use it within 24 hours.
Discard any leftover formula that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Check Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration date on formula containers before use. Avoid using cans that are damaged or have been stored in warm, damp environments.
Once opened, powdered infant formula should be used within 1 month.
Don't forget, we have storage guideline magnets for ALL feeding pathways on the Shop! https://www.babyfoodandfun.com/shop
Consider using Liquid Infant Formula, especially Ready-To-Feed versions or Liquid Concentrates, as it is a sterile product, unlike powdered formula. This should be a consideration in particular for all infants at particularly high risk of infection, including those born prematurely, with low birth weight, are immune compromised, and those in their first 2-3 months of life.
Monitor water safety! Make sure you are using a safe water source! One place that helps me monitor these food and medical recalls is the FDA! Sign up for alerts here: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/contact-fda/get-email-updates
*You will need to go in & select the topics/alerts that interest you. The FDA covers a lot of ground, and while Tobacco is important, I, of course, want to know about foods and such. Select the topics that are of interest and use to you!
My heart breaks for these families. For all who care for these babies. For the parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, friends impacted. and of course, these infants themselves. For the healthcare providers involved in their care. For the general public. For what could have and should have been. Quite frankly, my heart is broken over here.
Part 2: Expanding Recalls To Know About
In addition to all the fun that formula companies are facing at the moment.. there has also been some major food recalls happening that ya'll need to know about! These recalls include sliced deli meats, vegetables, nuts, cheese... ugh. Not long after I posted my original Blog alert on the topic, I got word of MANY more products to add...
If you missed that first post, check it here & see what foods specifically are facing recalls at this time!
Alright, so I assume we are all on the same page now with what foods and brands have been mentioned in the recall so far. (& if you have no idea, please hit that pink link above!). Let's take a look at what's 'new':
Deli Meats:
First update: additional hospitalizations and deaths have been reported linked to the Listeria and these meats. As of 8/8/24, the CDC reports 43 hospitalizations and 3 deaths. Another interesting factor that I noticed... the CDC currently states there have been 43 illnesses reported. So, all 43 infected have needed hospital care...
A Full product List has been sent out. It's an excel sheet and much longer than what I originally shared... It's easiest for me to share the link: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-023-2024-EXP-Product_Information_Sheet.pdf
A good friend and I took a look at this the other day. If you are overwhelmed or don't have time to read that, quick finding = Majority of products are somehow associated with pork/pig products! Ham, bacon, pork, liverwurst, frankfurters, kielbasa, etc. If you have any Boar's Head pork products especially take a look!! Generalization and may not be entirely inclusive
These products include items like "beef frankfurters" as well.
It is possible for cross-contamination to also occur with deli slicers and equipment if sanitation was not adequate, potentially spreading to other meats as well.
Boar's Head and Old Country are the two primary brands named at this time.
An official announcement as well: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due
Vegetables and Dips:
Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole products with a use-by date of August 2, 2024, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The fresh guacamole was sold at Lunds & Byerlys grocery stores located throughout the Twin Cities area and St. Cloud. The product was also available in select locations ‘Taco Mas’ food bars from July 27-31. The products are packaged in clear plastic containers.
These products are affected by the recall:
Product Size Use-by Date
Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Guacamole 14 ounce August 2, 2024
Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Smokin’ Guacamole 10 ounce August 2, 2024
Lunds & Byerlys Fresh Spicy Guacamole 10 ounce August 2, 2024
Lunds & Byerlys Pico de Gallo/Guacamole Tray 18 ounce August 2, 2024
Lunds & Byerlys Deli Guacamole 56 ounce August 2, 2024
No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date.
& as a reminder for how expansive the vegetable recall going on is at this time, check out this article: https://www.nj.com/food/2024/08/throw-out-this-recalled-produce-asap-thats-sold-at-walmart-and-aldi-in-18-states.html#:~:text=Vegetable%20recall%202024%20expands.%20A%20previously%20announced,Aldi%20and%20other%20retailers%20in%2018%20states.
Spices & Nuts:
Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues an Updated Voluntary Recall for “1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon” Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Elevated Lead Levels
July 30, 2024 - Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is voluntarily recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels.
The Cinnamon was distributed nationwide through retail stores and mail order. The products come in a clear plastic jar labeled with either “Marcum Cinnamon Ground 1.5oz” or “Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25oz”. The following lot codes have been added to the recall list as of 7-29-24 (found on the jar above the label - below the cap):
1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon Best By 12/05/25 12 D8
1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon Best By 12/05/25 12 D11
2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 10/06/25 10A11
No illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with these products.
American Spices LLC. Recalls Spice Class Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk
American Spices, LLC. of Ozone Park, NY is recalling Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon was distributed to retailers located in the New York City area between 12/01/2023 and 05/15/2024. The product was not sold online.
The recalled product is SPICE CLASS BRAND Ground Cinnamon packed in 7oz and 11oz packing PET jars with expiration date: 12/2026.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Advance Food International Inc. Recalls Shahzada Brand Cinnamon Powder 7oz Because of Possible Health Risk
Advance Food International, Inc. of Maspeth, NY is recalling Shahzada brand Cinnamon Powder in 7oz packing, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Shahzada brand Cinnamon Powder was distributed to retailers located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts between 01/01/2024 and 05/24/2024. This product was not sold online.
The product was packed in 7oz plastic bags of the Shahzada brand.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
And a few new ones worthy of sharing (including a medical device!!):
Thal Golden Spices Inc. of Hayward, CA is recalling 640 Packs of “Bikano Moong Dal 350g because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, Product was distributed in the state of California through retail stores.
Product Identification Statement:
Brand Name: Bikano
Product Name: Moong Dal Plain
Size: 350g
Best Used By Date: June 25, 2025 can be found on the bottom back side of the pack.
Abbott Issues Voluntary Medical Device Correction for a Small Number of FreeStyle Libre® 3 Sensors in the U.S.
This voluntary medical device correction impacts a small subset of FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors from among those within three lots in the U.S. only
URGENT MEDICAL DEVICE CORRECTION : FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensors
This communication only applies to people who use FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system includes a sensor, reader and app. This medical device correction impacts the sensor only. The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader and app are not impacted. There is no impact for people who use FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensors.
Abbott has recently identified a small number of FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors that may provide incorrect high glucose readings, which if undetected may pose a potential health risk for people living with diabetes. This issue affects only a small subset of FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors.
To determine if your current sensor or any unused sensors you have are affected, go to https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/abbott-issues-voluntary-medical-device-correction-small-number-freestyle-librer-3-sensors-us
IMPACTED LOT NUMBERS
T60001948
T60001966
T60001969
Part 3: Tools & Resources for your Success!
As you are navigating your parenting journey, don't forget to utilize our shop's essential tools designed to simplify your daily routine. From practical magnets to informative PDFs to fun stickers to help cheer up any day, we've got you covered with quick resources and tools, available right at your finger tips!
A few fan favorites available NOW include:
Magnetic Magic: Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed magnet! Check out our collection for storage guidelines (including formula, breastmilk, baby food, and combo!), cooking temps, and more. Learn about the right temperatures, durations, and techniques for optimal nourishment every time. We have tons of fun, positive magnets available as well for an instant daily "pick-me-up"! Stick them on your fridge for instant assistance and daily reminders.
PDFs at Your Fingertips: In the digital age, information should be at your fingertips. Browse through our range of PDF files covering infant formula comparable options, feeding schedules, shopping lists, starting solids guides, and more! Quick and reliable information whenever you need it.
Don't miss out on the resources available! We can customize and develop nearly anything you need, so if you don't see what you are looking for, just ask!! & stay tuned as our collection grows!
❤❤
Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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