Enfamil Lawsuits

People are suing Enfamil baby formula manufacturer Mead Johnson based on claims that the cow’s milk-based product increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) — a life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder that can affect premature infants.

The lawsuits claim that Mead Johnson didn’t adequately warn parents of the risks associated with NEC. They further allege the company marketed the formula to be a safe alternative to breast milk for premature and low-birth-weight infants. Studies show that marketing aimed at touting a type of formula as “safer” or “better” than breastfeeding impacts how parents view formula products as potential options for their children.

The baby formula lawsuits claim that Mead Johnson knew of the increased risk of NEC but failed to warn parents and doctors of the danger posed to premature infants.

Who makes Enfamil?

Enfamil is made by Mead Johnson Nutrition Company. Mead Johnson, which focuses exclusively on pediatric nutrition, was acquired in a 2017 merger with Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. 

Mead Johnson is a global leader in infant formula products, with a sales volume of over $3.7 billion (USD) in 2022. The company markets more than 70 products in more than 50 countries.

What products are involved in the Mead Johnson lawsuits?

The Mead Johnson formula products involved in the NEC lawsuits all contain cow’s milk, including:

• Enfamil 24 and Enfamil DHA & ARA Supplement
• Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
• Enfamil Liquid Human Milk Fortifier High Protein
• Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
• Enfamil Liquid Human Milk Fortifier Standard Protein
• Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
• Enfamil Premature

Cow’s milk-based formulas like Enfamil have been associated with an increased risk of a serious gastrointestinal disorder called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This is a serious condition that mostly affects premature and low-birth-weight infants.

What is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

NEC is a dangerous condition that causes inflammation in intestinal tissues, resulting in the death of the tissue. Some infants recover and have few symptoms. Others develop life-threatening perforations in their intestines, allowing bacteria to leak into the abdomen. In some cases, NEC is fatal. 

NEC is most common in premature infants, especially those who were born before the 37th week of pregnancy or weigh less than 5.5 pounds. Studies also suggest that premature infants fed formula also are at an increased risk. 

The symptoms of NEC resemble those of other digestive issues and may include:

• Abdominal pain, swelling or bloating
• Changes in heart rate, breathing or blood pressure
• Diarrhea with blood in the stool
• Fever
• Lack of appetite or difficulty feeding
• Lethargy
• Vomiting with green or yellow vomit

Up to this point, no Enfamil formula class action lawsuit has been filed. However, there is multidistrict litigation (MDL) — including Enfamil lawsuits filed against Mead Johnson — that consolidates all baby formula lawsuits linked to NEC. 

Litigation involving Enfamil and NEC has been included in In re: Abbott Laboratories, et al., Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3026. These cases are being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, but parents and litigants don’t have to reside in Illinois to join the case. 

The MDL also includes claims against Abbott Laboratories for similar NEC cases that instead pertain to Similac baby formula. As of March 2025, the MDL docket featured over 600 pending cases.

Mead Johnson hasn’t recalled any Enfamil products related to the NEC lawsuits. These Enfamil products are currently on the market.

However, Mead Johnson voluntarily recalled one type of Enfamil product because of possible bacterial contamination in January 2024. The FDA published a December 31, 2023, company announcement from Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition about Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder.

The bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii, can cause life-threatening infections like sepsis and meningitis. No bacteria were found in any samples, but the company recalled the product out of an abundance of caution.

Can I sue Mead Johnson for making my child sick?

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Mead Johnson if your child developed necrotizing enterocolitis after consuming Enfamil formula. A knowledgeable lawyer can review your case and determine if you’re a good candidate to file a lawsuit.

What are the payouts for the NEC lawsuit?

Payouts, or damages, in an NEC baby formula lawsuit depend on the nature of the harm and the degree of exposure to the harmful formula. For instance, the parents of a baby who suffered a minor illness from a single formula feeding could end up receiving a smaller payment than one received by the parents of an infant who suffered a severe case of NEC and ultimately died.

Damages in an Enfamil lawsuit may include:

• Burial costs
• Emotional suffering of the parents
• Lost wages for parents who had to stay with their infant
• Medical costs for treatment
• Pain and suffering for the baby
• Wrongful death

As part of an Enfamil lawsuit settlement in March 2024, a court awarded one woman $60 million against Mead Johnson. No legal case offers a guaranteed amount in compensation, which always depends on the facts of the individual case.

How do I file a lawsuit against Enfamil?

The first step toward filing an Enfamil lawsuit is connecting with legal counsel. A toxic baby formula lawyer can delve into the details of your situation and determine if you’re well-positioned to file a lawsuit. If so, they will help you gather any necessary information and file the case within the statutes of limitations.

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades to seek justice for children and families affected by toxic and otherwise dangerous exposures. Our team’s experiences include:

• Representing parents of children with birth defects allegedly resulting from medical drugs like Zofran, Effexor and Zoloft
• Negotiating a $305 million settlement to pay for lead paint cleanup and abatement efforts in 10 California communities
• Representing parents whose children consumed dangerously high levels of lead in apple-cinnamon fruit pouches made by WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis Markets

Learn more about our toxic exposure litigation experience.