These lawsuits claim that Abbott powdered infant formula recalled in 2022 for possible bacterial contamination made babies seriously ill. It is a separate case from the NEC baby-formula lawsuits — this one is about contamination from the recalled product, and it is consolidated as MDL 3037.
Allegations Only · No Settlement Yet
This article describes product-liability lawsuits. The claims that recalled Abbott formula caused infant infections are unproven allegations. Abbott denies the allegations, there is no certified class, and there is nothing to claim at this time. This page is informational and is not legal or medical advice.
What Is This About?
In February 2022, Abbott recalled certain lots of powdered Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare infant formula made at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, after reports of infants who became sick with bacterial infections. The recall — and a temporary shutdown of the plant — contributed to a nationwide baby-formula shortage. Families later filed lawsuits alleging that formula contaminated with bacteria such as Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella caused serious infant illness, and in some cases death.The federal cases were consolidated into MDL No. 3037, In re: Recalled Abbott Infant Formula Products Liability Litigation, before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly in the Northern District of Illinois. By mid-2026 the docket held roughly 14 pending cases, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Abbott denies the allegations.
Important: this is not the same as the NEC baby-formula litigation. If you are looking for the lawsuits claiming that cow's-milk-based formula caused necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, see our Enfamil / Similac NEC lawsuit page — that is a different case with a different injury.
The Recall and the Alleged Injuries
The 2022 recall covered specific lots of powdered Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare produced at the Sturgis facility. The lawsuits allege that infants who consumed the recalled formula developed bacterial infections, which in newborns can be severe — including Cronobacter infection, sepsis, and meningitis. Because the recall was tied to specific lot numbers and dates, the reliable way to check whether a particular container was included is to look up the lot code through Abbott and the FDA rather than to assume from the brand name alone. Whether any specific illness was caused by the formula is disputed and has not been decided in court. This page does not offer medical advice.Where the Litigation Stands in 2026
The MDL is active but relatively small. Judge Kennelly appointed a settlement special master and established a bellwether process — a set of representative cases worked up first to help both sides gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the claims. As of mid-2026 there was no announced global settlement, no jury verdict, and no public claim form. For how this case fits among the country's other product-liability MDLs, see our MDL tracker.Who Is Affected
The cases are generally brought by families of infants who consumed recalled Abbott powdered formula and were then diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Because this is individual product-liability litigation, each case depends on the specific formula lot, the timing, and the child's medical records. There is no automatic class and no public claim form. Anyone who believes their child was harmed should speak with a licensed attorney promptly about their situation and the deadlines that may apply.Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the NEC baby formula lawsuit?
No. This page is about MDL 3037, the lawsuits over Abbott's February 2022 recall of powdered formula for possible bacterial contamination. That is a separate litigation from the NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) baby-formula lawsuits, which claim cow's-milk-based formula harmed premature infants and are consolidated in a different MDL. The two involve different injuries and different legal theories.
What does the Similac recall lawsuit allege?
Plaintiffs allege that powdered infant formula made at Abbott's Sturgis, Michigan plant was contaminated with bacteria such as Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella, and that infants who consumed it suffered serious infections. These are unproven allegations; Abbott denies them.
Which formulas were recalled?
In February 2022, Abbott recalled certain lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered formulas produced at its Sturgis, Michigan facility. Consumers can look up specific recalled lot numbers through Abbott and the FDA rather than relying on a general list.
Is there a Similac recall settlement?
As of 2026 there is no announced global settlement. The cases are consolidated in MDL 3037 before Judge Matthew Kennelly in the Northern District of Illinois, where a settlement special master has been appointed and a bellwether trial process has been established. There is no public claim form.
Sources
• U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation — MDL 3037 statistics and docket, jpml.uscourts.gov• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois — In re: Recalled Abbott Infant Formula Products Liability Litigation, MDL 3037, ilnd.uscourts.gov
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Abbott powdered infant formula recall information and lot lookup, fda.gov
Free settlement alerts
Get notified when new class actions open to claims
Join thousands of readers who get the latest class action settlements you may qualify for — delivered straight to your inbox.
