Why are so many families cautious about baby formula?

There have been numerous baby formula scandals involving contamination or safety issues. Below is a summary of significant incidents.

Recent Abbott Baby Formula Contamination (2022–2023)

• In early 2022, Abbott Laboratories recalled several powdered baby formula products (e.g., Similac, Alimentum, EleCare) after reports of four babies contracting Cronobacter sakazakii infections. Two of the babies died, and the bacteria may have contributed to their deaths. The recall was linked to Abbott's Sturgis, Michigan, plant, where FDA inspectors found bacterial contamination, a leaky roof, standing water, and poor safety protocols.
• The plant's closure exacerbated a nationwide baby formula shortage in the U.S., forcing parents to rely on donated breast milk, mums re-lactating to breastfeed again, overseas imports and alternative sources.
• The plant reopened in June 2022 under stricter oversight.

Other Major Baby Formula Scandals

According to Perplexity, other significant baby formula scandals include: 

• 2008 Chinese milk scandal: This was a major food safety incident where melamine was added to infant formula, affecting an estimated 300,000 babies in China, with 54,000 hospitalisations and six reported deaths.
• 2011 China: A large milk producer reported excessive toxin levels in its milk due to mouldy cattle feed.
• 2012 China: Yili Group recalled baby formula understood to be tainted with mercury.
• 1970s Nestlé scandal: Nestlé faced long-term controversy for its marketing practices of baby formula in developing countries, which led to malnutrition and baby deaths due to improper use and lack of clean water.

It's important to note that these are just some of the more widely reported incidents. There may have been other smaller-scale or localised contamination events that didn't receive as much international attention. The food safety regulations and quality control measures for infant formula have generally improved over the past century, but occasional incidents still occur, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in this critical area of food production.

This is not medical advice. For medical advice, please consult your health professional.