Abbott Baby Formula Settlement

What does Abbott's baby formula settlement resolve?

On September 14, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Abbott would pay approximately $385 million to settle allegations involving powdered infant formula and nutritional products manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, and Casa Grande, Arizona. The claims concerned purchases funded through federal and state programs between 2018 and 2022. Prosecutors alleged that conditions including leaking roofs and damaged manufacturing equipment increased contamination risks. The department explicitly stated that the resolved claims remain allegations and that liability has not been determined. [Justice Department announcement](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/abbott-agrees-pay-over-384m-settle-allegations-related-contaminated-infant-formula).

Abbott said the agreement relates to its manufacturing and the 2022 powdered formula recall, emphasizing that the settlement establishes no finding of fault. It also said unopened products collected from affected infants' homes tested negative for Cronobacter. Separately, CDC's investigation found that bacteria from the two available infant samples were not closely genetically related to strains recovered from the Sturgis facility. Those findings limit conclusions about the source of the investigated infections; they do not establish that manufacturing safeguards were adequate. [Abbott statement](https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2026-09-14-Abbott-reaches-agreement-with-Department-of-Justice-to-resolve-claims-relating-to-2022-infant-formula-recall), [CDC investigation findings](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/formula-2022/index.html).

Why is Cronobacter a concern in infant formula?

Cronobacter bacteria occur naturally in the environment and can contaminate formula during manufacturing or after a container is opened. Powdered infant formula is not sterile. Contaminated surfaces, scoops, water or feeding equipment can introduce bacteria during preparation. Although infections are rare, affected infants can develop sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, or meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. [CDC explanation of Cronobacter](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/about/index.html).

CDC identifies infants younger than 2 months, babies born prematurely and those with weakened immune systems as higher-risk groups. Warning signs include fever, poor feeding, unusual crying or markedly reduced energy; some infants develop seizures. A baby with these symptoms needs immediate medical assessment. These signs cannot identify Cronobacter specifically, and clinicians may need blood or spinal-fluid testing to establish the diagnosis. [CDC symptoms, risk groups and diagnosis](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/about/index.html).

How can parents reduce infection risks when preparing formula?

CDC recommends considering liquid ready-to-feed formula when possible, especially for higher-risk infants, because liquid formula is manufactured to be sterile. Handling still matters after opening. When powdered formula is needed for a higher-risk baby, CDC advises boiling water, waiting about five minutes, then mixing while the water remains very hot. Measure water and powder exactly as directed and cool the prepared bottle before feeding to prevent burns. Families using prescribed specialty formula should discuss preparation with their baby's clinical team. [CDC prevention advice](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/prevention/index.html), [CDC formula preparation guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/preparation-and-storage.html).

Wash hands and clean preparation surfaces and feeding equipment. Keep scoops and container lids clean and dry. Use prepared formula within two hours of preparation and within one hour after feeding begins, whichever deadline comes first. Discard leftovers from a used bottle. If a freshly prepared bottle will not be used promptly, refrigerate it immediately and use it within 24 hours. Always check expiration dates and recall notices. [CDC handling and storage recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/prevention/index.html).

The settlement concerns earlier manufacturing and recall events; it does not itself announce a new product recall. Decisions about a container should follow the applicable recall notice and its product identifiers. If a usual formula becomes unavailable, contact the baby's healthcare provider for an appropriate alternative. Never stretch supplies by adding extra water or making homemade formula. [Abbott settlement statement](https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2026-09-14-Abbott-reaches-agreement-with-Department-of-Justice-to-resolve-claims-relating-to-2022-infant-formula-recall), [CDC advice for caregivers](https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/formula-2022/index.html).