Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories Exonerated in Infant Formula Lawsuit
Source: DairyNews.today
Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories, two major players in the infant formula industry, have been cleared of liability in a closely-watched lawsuit involving claims of a life-threatening intestinal disease.
The companies faced potential punitive damages of $6.2 billion over allegations that their infant formula products contributed to the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a prematurely-born infant.
The five-week trial, held in a St. Louis, Missouri state court, centered around plaintiff Kaine Whitfield. Whitfield’s mother, Elizabeth, alleged that the companies did not provide adequate warnings about the risks of NEC—a disease with a mortality rate exceeding 20%—when their formula is fed to premature infants. Kaine survived the condition but now faces lifelong health challenges as a result.
This case is one among nearly 1,000 similar lawsuits filed against the companies, following recent legal setbacks for both. Earlier this year, Mead Johnson was ordered to pay $60 million in damages, while Abbott faced a $495 million judgment. However, the outcome of the St. Louis trial is not expected to set a precedent for the other cases, as each will be tried before separate juries.
The lawsuits have sparked significant discussion about the companies' strategies moving forward. In July, Reckitt CEO Kris Licht indicated that the company is “considering all options” for Mead Johnson. Similarly, in October, Abbott CEO Robert Ford hinted that the company may exit the market for premature infant formula due to the ongoing litigation.
The five-week trial, held in a St. Louis, Missouri state court, centered around plaintiff Kaine Whitfield. Whitfield’s mother, Elizabeth, alleged that the companies did not provide adequate warnings about the risks of NEC—a disease with a mortality rate exceeding 20%—when their formula is fed to premature infants. Kaine survived the condition but now faces lifelong health challenges as a result.
This case is one among nearly 1,000 similar lawsuits filed against the companies, following recent legal setbacks for both. Earlier this year, Mead Johnson was ordered to pay $60 million in damages, while Abbott faced a $495 million judgment. However, the outcome of the St. Louis trial is not expected to set a precedent for the other cases, as each will be tried before separate juries.
The lawsuits have sparked significant discussion about the companies' strategies moving forward. In July, Reckitt CEO Kris Licht indicated that the company is “considering all options” for Mead Johnson. Similarly, in October, Abbott CEO Robert Ford hinted that the company may exit the market for premature infant formula due to the ongoing litigation.
