For years, Enfamil has been a household name in infant feeding. Advertised as safe and effective, this formula has been fed to millions of babies in hospitals and homes. Yet, recent lawsuits allege that Enfamil—and comparable cow’s milk-based formulas—can significantly raise the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious and potentially deadly intestinal illness in premature infants. Consequently, parents throughout the United States of America are taking legal action against Mead Johnson, the manufacturer of Enfamil, because of the justice they seek over the damage brought to their children.
In this article, you will discover the medical issues associated with Enfamil, the foundation of pending lawsuits, who can be eligible to file a claim, and what action impacted families can take to seek compensation.
What Is Enfamil?
Enfamil is a brand of infant formula produced by Mead Johnson Nutrition, now a subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser. It is commonly used as a substitute for breast milk, especially in hospitals with premature or low-birth-weight infants. Enfamil offers various formulations aimed at different nutritional needs, including Enfamil NeuroPro, Enfamil EnfaCare, and Enfamil Premature Infant Formula.
While the company promotes Enfamil as safe and essential for infant development, a growing body of scientific research suggests a troubling connection between cow’s milk-based formulas and a dangerous gastrointestinal disease in preemies.
What Is NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition that primarily affects premature or very low birth weight infants. It causes inflammation and death (necrosis) of the intestinal tissue, which can lead to bowel perforation, sepsis, and death.
Symptoms of NEC may include:
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
- Feeding intolerance
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or low activity
- Unstable body temperature or blood pressure
NEC can progress quickly and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Surviving infants may require surgery to remove dead intestinal tissue and may suffer long-term complications like short bowel syndrome, developmental delays, or feeding issues.
The Link Between Enfamil and NEC
Several peer-reviewed medical studies have found that premature babies who are fed cow’s milk-based formula like Enfamil have a significantly higher risk of developing NEC compared to those who are fed human breast milk or human milk fortifiers.
Key studies include:
- A 1990 study in The Lancet showed that premature infants fed formula were 6 to 10 times more likely to develop NEC than those fed breast milk.
- A 2011 Journal of Pediatrics study confirmed that the exclusive use of human milk reduced NEC cases compared to formula-fed babies.
- A 2019 review published in Pediatrics reinforced that formula feeding increases NEC risk in very low birth weight infants.
Despite this body of evidence, Mead Johnson has allegedly failed to provide sufficient warnings to parents or medical providers about these risks.
Allegations in the Enfamil Lawsuits
Lawsuits against Mead Johnson claim that the company knew or should have known about the increased risk of NEC but continued to market Enfamil as safe for premature babies—particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
The core legal allegations include:
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs argue that Enfamil did not include adequate warnings about the risk of NEC in preemies.
- Negligence: Mead Johnson allegedly failed to conduct proper testing or respond to medical studies warning about potential dangers.
- False Advertising: The lawsuits claim that Enfamil was falsely promoted as safe and even necessary for infant health.
- Product Liability: Plaintiffs argue that the product is inherently dangerous for its intended use in preterm infants.
Many lawsuits are now part of multidistrict litigation (MDL), where similar claims are consolidated in federal court to streamline the pretrial process.
Who Is Eligible to File an Enfamil Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file an Enfamil NEC lawsuit if:
- Your child was born prematurely or had low birth weight
- Your child was fed Enfamil or another cow’s milk-based formula
- Your child developed NEC, or suffered complications, surgery, or death due to the condition
- You have medical documentation linking formula use to NEC diagnosis
Parents, guardians, or estates of deceased infants may pursue legal action for compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
A successful Enfamil lawsuit could result in substantial compensation for affected families, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and long-term care
- Hospitalization costs, including NICU stays
- Therapy or specialized care
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering endured by the child
- Emotional distress experienced by the family
- Loss of quality of life
- Grief and loss of companionship in fatal cases
Punitive Damages
If the manufacturer is found to have acted recklessly or intentionally withheld critical safety information, the court may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar conduct.
Status of the Enfamil Lawsuits in 2025
As of 2025, Enfamil lawsuits are active and growing. In 2022, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated NEC lawsuits into MDL No. 3026 in the Northern District of Illinois. This MDL includes claims against both Mead Johnson (Enfamil) and Abbott Laboratories (Similac).
The litigation is still in the pretrial phase, with bellwether trials expected in the near future. These initial trials will help determine how juries may respond to the evidence and legal arguments, setting the tone for potential settlements.
Law firms are continuing to accept new clients, particularly those whose children suffered serious complications or died due to NEC after being fed cow’s milk-based formula.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical
Defective product lawsuits—especially against major corporations—require extensive legal expertise. An experienced product liability or personal injury attorney can help families by:
- Reviewing medical records and birth history
- Gathering evidence about formula usage
- Consulting with neonatal and pediatric experts
- Filing a claim within the statute of limitations
- Negotiating with the manufacturer or insurance company
Most Enfamil lawsuit attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit. This timeframe may begin on the date of NEC diagnosis or when the injury was first linked to formula use.
Because deadlines vary and legal interpretations can be complex, it’s crucial to consult a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Was Affected
If your child was born prematurely, fed Enfamil, and developed NEC or related complications, consider taking these steps:
- Request all medical records from the NICU or treating hospital
- Document the formula used (photos, hospital discharge summaries, receipts)
- Monitor your child’s health and consult pediatric specialists
- Contact a lawyer experienced in NEC or infant injury litigation
Your actions today could not only secure justice and support for your family but also help prevent future harm to other children.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
