US Court Fines Abbott $500 Million for Allegedly Concealing Fatal Disease Risk of Infant Formula
Quick Answer: The Abbott lawsuit involves a SPECIALIZED formula for premature babies in NICUs (not regular infant formula like Similac, NAN, or Lactogen that you buy for healthy babies). Regular infant formula used by Indian parents for full-term, healthy babies is considered safe. If your baby was born full-term and you're using standard formula doodh, you don't need to panic. However, if your baby was born premature and was fed special formula in the NICU, talk to your pediatrician about NEC risk.
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What Happened in the Abbott Lawsuit?
In 2024, a US court ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay nearly $500 million (approximately Rs. 4,100 crores) in a landmark case. Here's what happened:
The Case:
A premature baby girl was fed Abbott's "Similac Special Care 24" - a specialized cow's milk-based formula for premature infants
The baby developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a severe bowel disease
The baby suffered brain damage as a result
The family sued Abbott, claiming the company knew about NEC risks but didn't warn parents or doctors
The Verdict:
$95 million in compensation to the family
$400 million in punitive damages
Abbott is appealing the decision
Abbott's Response:
Abbott denies the formula causes NEC
Claims the baby had pre-existing health issues
States there's no scientific proof linking their formula to NEC
Is pursuing legal options to overturn the verdict
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What is NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis)?
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
NEC is a serious intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies. Here's what parents should know:
Key Point: NEC almost exclusively affects premature babies, especially those born very early (before 32 weeks) and with very low birth weight.
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Does This Affect Regular Formula Sold in India?
The short answer is: This lawsuit is about specialized NICU formula, not regular infant formula.
Let's clarify the difference:
Type
Examples
Who Uses It
NEC Risk Concern
Specialized Premature Formula
Similac Special Care, Similac NeoSure, Enfamil Premature
Premature babies in NICU
Subject of lawsuit
Regular Infant Formula
NAN Pro, Lactogen, Similac Advance, Enfamil
Healthy, full-term babies at home
NOT part of this lawsuit
Formula brands commonly used by Indian parents:
NAN Pro 1, 2, 3 (Nestle)
Lactogen 1, 2, 3 (Nestle)
Similac Advance (Abbott)
Enfamil (Mead Johnson)
Dexolac (Danone)
Farex (Various)
These regular formulas are for healthy, full-term babies and are NOT the subject of the NEC lawsuits.
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What Should Indian Parents Do?
If Your Baby is Full-Term and Healthy
Don't panic. Continue using your regular formula as prescribed by your pediatrician. The lawsuit concerns specialized premature baby formula used in hospital NICUs, not the formula doodh you buy from the chemist for your healthy baby.
Continue to:
Follow your pediatrician's formula recommendations
Prepare formula according to package instructions
Maintain proper hygiene while preparing bottles
Feed appropriate amounts for baby's age and weight
If Your Baby Was Born Premature
Talk to your pediatrician about:
What formula your baby was given in the NICU
Signs of NEC to watch for
Feeding recommendations going forward
Whether breastmilk supplementation is possible (breastmilk is protective against NEC)
For All Parents
Breastmilk remains the gold standard:
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months
Prepare fresh - don't store prepared formula for more than 2 hours
Discard leftovers - never re-use leftover formula from a feed
Red Flags to Watch For
Stop using a formula and consult your doctor if you notice:
Unusual smell or color in the formula
Clumping that doesn't dissolve
Baby has allergic reactions (rash, vomiting, diarrhea)
Baby refuses feeds suddenly
Any signs of contamination
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Understanding Formula Feeding in India
Common Concerns Addressed
Q: Should I stop giving formula after hearing this news?
No, if your healthy, full-term baby is thriving on formula, continue as advised by your pediatrician. This lawsuit is about specialized premature baby formula.
Q: Is Indian formula different from US formula?
Formula sold in India follows Indian food safety regulations (FSSAI) and is manufactured to meet safety standards. Major brands have strict quality controls.
Q: Can I give both breastmilk and formula?
Yes! Combination feeding (maa ka doodh with formula) is common and safe. Many Indian mothers do this successfully.
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Tips for Safe Formula Feeding
Consult your pediatrician before starting or switching formula
Don't dilute formula - always follow exact measurements
Store properly - keep powder in cool, dry place; use within 4 weeks of opening
Clean bottles immediately after feeding
Never microwave formula bottles
Watch for allergies - introduce formula gradually if switching brands
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Believing all formula news applies to all babies - Context matters; premature baby formula ≠ regular formula
Stopping formula suddenly without pediatric guidance
Buying formula from unauthorized sellers - Stick to reputable pharmacies
Over-diluting formula to make it last longer (dangerous!)
Using expired formula - Always check dates
Ignoring preparation instructions - Each brand may have slightly different guidelines
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When to Seek Help
Contact your pediatrician if:
Baby has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Blood in baby's stool
Baby's abdomen appears swollen or hard
Baby refuses feeds repeatedly
Signs of allergic reaction (rash, breathing difficulty)
You're unsure which formula is right for your baby
For premature babies specifically:
Any signs of feeding intolerance
Bloated belly
Lethargy or unusual behavior
Blood in stool
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Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
FAQs
Q: Kya Similac safe hai India mein use karne ke liye?
A: Similac Advance (regular infant formula) sold in India for healthy, full-term babies is safe to use. The lawsuit concerns Similac Special Care, which is a specialized formula for premature babies used in hospitals. If your pediatrician has recommended Similac Advance for your healthy baby, you can continue using it.
Q: Should I switch from Similac to NAN or Lactogen after this news?
A: There's no need to switch if your baby is doing well on Similac Advance. The lawsuit is about a different product (specialized premature formula). However, if you're concerned, discuss with your pediatrician before making any changes.
Q: My baby was born 2 weeks early - should I be worried about NEC?
A: Babies born at 35-36 weeks (late preterm) have very low NEC risk. NEC primarily affects very premature babies (born before 32 weeks) with very low birth weight. If your late-preterm baby is feeding well and gaining weight, there's usually no cause for concern. Still, discuss with your pediatrician for personalized advice.
Q: Is breastmilk always better than formula?
A: Breastmilk is the ideal nutrition for babies and has protective benefits. However, formula is a safe, nutritious alternative when breastfeeding isn't possible or is insufficient. Fed is best - a well-nourished baby on formula is better than a hungry baby. No guilt needed if you need to use formula doodh.
Q: How do I know if formula is causing problems for my baby?
A: Watch for: excessive gas, persistent fussiness, eczema or rashes, bloody or mucousy stool, severe constipation or diarrhea, and poor weight gain. Some discomfort when starting formula is normal, but persistent issues should be discussed with your pediatrician.
Q: Which formula is best - NAN Pro ya Lactogen?
A: Both are quality products from Nestle. NAN Pro has added probiotics and is priced higher. Lactogen is more affordable and also well-tolerated by most babies. The "best" formula is the one your baby digests well and that fits your budget. Your pediatrician can help you choose based on your baby's specific needs.
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The Bottom Line
The Abbott lawsuit highlights important concerns about specialized premature infant formula, but healthy, full-term babies using regular formula are not affected by this case.
If you're using standard infant formula (NAN Pro, Lactogen, Similac Advance) for your full-term baby, continue as advised by your pediatrician. These products go through rigorous safety testing and are a safe nutrition source when breastfeeding isn't possible.
For parents of premature babies, especially those who spent time in the NICU, have an open conversation with your pediatrician about your baby's feeding history and any concerns.
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This article was medically reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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