Enfamil™ Baby Formula Lawsuit

Quick Answer

Some cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products manufactured by Enfamil™ may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease in premature and low-birth-weight infants. You may be able to take legal action if your child developed NEC from Enfamil baby formula.

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What Is an Enfamil Baby Formula Lawsuit?

Toxic baby formula lawsuits can be filed against the manufacturers of harmful products (Enfamil is manufactured by Mead Johnson & Company, LLC).

Some baby formula products may cause NEC.

Evidence has shown some cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products have increased the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in babies born preterm or with a low birth weight.

These Enfamil lawsuits are considered product liability cases. Enfamil lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for making and selling goods that have harmed their consumers.

Parents and caregivers bought Enfamil products assuming they were safe for their babies. Families with children who have been harmed by Enfamil baby formula may be able to take legal action.

In March 2024, an Illinois jury awarded $60 Million to the family of a child who passed away after developing NEC from Mead Johnson’s Enfamil™ formula.

What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that most often affects premature and low-birth-weight babies. Children who are born full-term and/or are fed breast milk are less likely to develop NEC.

When the small or large intestinal tissues are inflamed or injured, a hole (perforation) can form in the intestinal wall. Because of the hole, the intestines are unable to hold waste. This can cause bacteria to leak into the child’s abdomen or bloodstream.

Common signs of NEC include:

  • Bloody stools
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Green vomit
  • Issues with feeding
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low heart rate
  • Pauses in breathing
  • Swollen, red belly

This condition can be very serious and may even lead to severe bacterial infections or death. Other complications stemming from NEC include brain damage, intestinal scarring, intestinal strictures, short bowel syndrome, sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions.

If your formula-fed child has shown signs of necrotizing enterocolitis, speak to one of our caring registered nurses to learn more about your legal options.

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Enfamil Baby Formula & NEC

Cow milk formula and milk fortifiers have been shown to increase the risk of babies developing NEC compared to human breast milk.

Babies with a low birth weight or who are born prematurely have an increased risk of NEC as their digestive systems aren’t fully formed.

Enfamil formula products can irritate the intestinal lining and increase the likelihood of intestinal inflammation, leading to NEC.

If your child is showing signs of NEC, contact a doctor immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may help prevent serious complications.

List of Enfamil Products That May Cause NEC

There are several Enfamil baby formula products that are made with cow’s milk, and therefore may cause NEC in premature infants.

Some Enfamil cow’s milk-based formulas and fortifiers include:

  • Enfamil™ 24 Calorie Formula
  • Enfamil™ DHA-In-Sol
  • Enfamil™ Enfagrow® Toddler and Enfagrow Premium™ Toddler
  • Enfamil™ Enspire™
  • Enfamil™ Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
  • Enfamil™ Human Milk Fortifier Powder (HCPM)
  • Enfamil™ Liquid Human Milk Fortifier High Protein
  • Enfamil™ Liquid Human Milk Fortifier Standard Protein
  • Enfamil™ NeuroPro™ EnfaCare® Premature Baby Formula
  • Enfamil™ NeuroPro™ Gentlease®
  • Enfamil™ Nutramigen®
  • Enfamil™ Premature 24 Cal
  • Enfamil™ Premature 30 Cal
  • Enfamil™ Premature Infant Iron Formula 20 Cal
  • Enfamil™ Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal
  • Enfamil™ Premature Infant Formula 30 Cal with Iron

It is important to note there are no recalls for these Enfamil products at this time. However, it’s possible a recall could be issued later.

If your child is showing symptoms of NEC and is currently being fed any of the products listed above, contact your pediatrician.

You also may be able to take legal action if your child developed NEC while being fed Enfamil infant formula products. Get a free case review today to start the process.

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Our team can see if you qualify for financial compensation.

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Who Can File an Enfamil Lawsuit?

There are several qualifications that must be met in order to file an Enfamil toxic baby formula lawsuit.

You may be able to file an Enfamil infant formula lawsuit if your baby was:

  • Born prematurely or with a low birth weight
  • Diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Fed cow’s milk-based formula or milk fortifier made by Enfamil

The best and only way to know if you qualify to file a baby formula NEC lawsuit is to talk with a product liability lawyer at a specialized law firm.

How to File an Enfamil Lawsuit for Baby Formula

A specialized product liability baby formula lawyer can help you file a lawsuit. These lawyers have years of experience helping plaintiffs just like you.

A product liability lawyer can help you:

  • File your lawsuit
  • Collect evidence
  • Strengthen your claim
  • Negotiate settlement amounts
  • Represent you in a court of law

Your attorney will have the resources, expertise, and experience to get your family the financial compensation you deserve from a NEC baby formula lawsuit. Enfamil lawsuit settlement compensation can be used to cover costs associated with your child’s treatment.

Your lawyer will take care of the legal heavy lifting so all you have to worry about is getting special care for your baby.

Take Legal Action For NEC Today

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious life-threatening intestinal disease common in premature babies. Unfortunately, research has found cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products can greatly increase the risk of NEC in premature children.

Manufacturers of toxic baby formula products knew of the risks but continued selling the unsafe formula to consumers. In turn, many babies got sick from these formula products.

If your premature or low-birth-weight baby was diagnosed with NEC and fed Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or milk fortifier, you may be able to take legal action against the manufacturer.

Contact our team to learn more about getting a free case evaluation.

Enfamil Baby Formula Lawsuit FAQs

Is Enfamil formula toxic?

Some cow’s milk-based baby formula and milk fortifier products may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease common in premature babies.

What are the symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

Since NEC irritates and inflames the small and large intestines, many symptoms affect a baby’s digestive system.

Common NEC symptoms include bloody stools, constipation, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fatigue, and more. If your child is showing any signs of NEC, contact your pediatric health care provider as soon as possible to get proper treatment.

Is Enfamil being recalled?

Although the risks of these products are well known, as of March 2022, Enfamil has not recalled any of the formula products linked to NEC. Enfamil has not changed their ingredients, marketing, or warning labels.

However, this does not mean that there will not be a recall on these Enfamil baby formula products in the future.

Birth Injury Support Team

The Birth Injury Justice Center was founded in 2003 by a team of legal professionals to educate and empower victims and families affected by birth injuries. Our team is devoted to providing you with the best resources and legal information for all types of birth injuries.

View Sources
  1. Dirnberger, D. R. (Ed.). (2018, October). Necrotizing enterocolitis (for parents) - nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nec.html
  2. Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Products liability. Legal Information Institute. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/products_liability
  3. Necrotizing enterocolitis. Children's Hospital Los Angeles. (2018, October 16). Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.chla.org/necrotizing-enterocolitis
  4. Shulhan, J., Dicken, B., Hartling, L., & Larsen, B. M. K. (2017, January 17). Current knowledge of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and the impact of different types of enteral nutrition products. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5227976/