Enfamil ProSobee Baby Formula Recalled Over Bacterial Risk

In February 2023, 145,000 cans of Enfamil ProSobee Baby Formula were voluntarily recalled because of the possibility of being cross-contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, a type of bacteria known to cause serious, life-threatening infections.

What to Know

Enfamil lawsuits were filed after premature babies were injured or died from Necrotizing Enterocolitis, an intestinal disease associated with cow milk baby formulas.

Two batches of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz. cans were recalled. The bottoms of the cans are marked with either batch code ZL2HZZ or batch code ZL2HZF. Both recalled products have a Use-By Date of 1 Mar 2024 and a UPC Code of 300871214415. 

Enfamil’s parent company, Reckitt, issued a statement saying they issued the recall out of an abundance of caution. They stated that none of their products tested positive, but the recalled formula could have been cross-contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii.  

Unfortunately, this type of recall is not without precedent. In February 2022, two infants died, and four more were infected with Cronobacter after they were unknowingly fed from contaminated batches of Similac® Baby Formula, which prompted an enormous nationwide recall, along with dozens of class action and personal injury lawsuits. 

If your child has been diagnosed with a Cronobacter infection or necrotizing enterocolitis after they were fed Enfamil ProSobee Plant-Based Baby Formula, you should speak with a Dallas product liability lawyer right away to schedule a free case review. You could be entitled to substantial financial compensation. 

Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Enfamil ProSobee

Underweight infants, such as those who are premature, require more than the normal amount of protein in order to grow and gain a healthy amount of weight. Breastfeeding is not an option for every parent, so most physicians will recommend replacing breast milk with baby formulas such as Enfamil. 

Regrettably, one of their infant formulas was improperly labeled and failed to include the dangers that link the consumption of baby formula to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants. 

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal issue condition that primarily affects the intestinal tracts of premature babies and could potentially be fatal. Sadly, this left a lot of parents struggling to cope with necrotizing enterocolitis or grieving a loss they should not have endured.

Enfamil ProSobee and Cronobacter Sakazakii

Cronobacter sakazakii, also known as Cronobacter, is an organically occurring germ that is able to live in dried foods such as powdered milk, powdered infant formulas, starches, and herbal teas. The only points of possible contamination are in the home caused by contact with a contaminated surface or in a manufacturing plant caused by contaminated surfaces or ingredients. 

A Cronobacter infection is very rare, and only a few cases are reported every year although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cautioned that this could be due to the fact that hospitals and other healthcare providers are not required to report cases of Cronobacter. 

While extremely rare, Cronobacter sakazakii is also extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening to premature newborns who contract it by causing sepsis, a severe response to infection that is responsible for the deaths of 350,000 people every year in the United States. Cronobacter can also lead to cases of bacterial meningitis in newborns, which is the swelling of the brain lining and spinal cord. 

Symptoms and Complications of Cronobacter Infections in Babies

The CDC reports that a Cronobacter infection can result in serious health problems for infants less than a year old, especially those who are premature, less than two months old, or have a weakened immune system caused by medication or illness.

A few of the more serious complications are:

• An infection in the bloodstream (Sepsis)
• Inflammation and swelling of the lining surrounding the spinal cord and brain (Meningitis)
• Long-term neurological issues or brain damage
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis and other intestinal infections
• Death

Common signs and symptoms of Cronobacter in infants include excessive crying, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. The presence of seizures is also possible. If your newborn displays any combination of these symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical attention.  

How is NEC Diagnosed?

During a thorough examination of your infant, your doctor will check for a distended belly and other commonly-known symptoms of NEC.

They may also order tests, including:

• Blood tests: A blood test will check for bacteria and other indications of infection.
• Fecal test: These tests are designed to check for blood in your infant’s poop, including blood that is not visible to the naked eye. 
• X-rays: An abdominal X-ray can reveal signs of NEC, such as air bubbles around the abdominal cavity.or intestines. The presence of air bubbles could indicate a perforated or damaged bowel.  

What Are the Dangers of NEC?

Somewhere between 20% and 30% of NEC cases prove fatal. The greatest risk is to babies who require surgery. For those who survive, a few of the serious complications they face include:

• Surgery to extract a portion of the intestines
• Unable to absorb nutrients or food
• Lifelong problems with nutrition
• Need to be fed through an IV
• Severe infection (sepsis)
• Holes in their intestines
• Narrow areas of the intestines or intestinal scarring (adhesions and strictures)
• Intestinal failure
• Liver issues
• Short bowel syndrome

What Can I Do to Prevent NEC?

If you have been advised that you are at risk of preterm birth, you might want to inquire about corticosteroid injections, as they can improve the overall health of a growing fetus. It can also reduce the odds of intestinal and lung problems.

Feeding newborns breast milk will also reduce the risk of NEC. Recent research has shown that adding probiotics to baby formula or breast milk might also help. 

Enfamil ProSobee Product Liability Attorneys in Dallas

No parent should have to worry about whether the products specifically designed for their children will put their lives in danger. There are laws that product manufacturers are required to follow to make sure that their products are effective and safe for those who use them. 

If your family has endured injury or loss caused by contaminated Enfamil ProSobee baby formula in Dallas or the surrounding area, reach out to the Dallas product liability lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm today by calling (214) 617-1886 or filling out our online contact form.