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Judge Tosses Similac Heavy Metal Lawsuit
16 Apr
Summary
- A judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging Similac formula had undisclosed heavy metals.
- The judge cited common knowledge of heavy metals in products and media reports.
- Parents claimed Similac packaging was misleading about product safety.
A proposed class action lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, alleging its Similac infant formula contained undisclosed heavy metals, has been dismissed by a U.S. District Judge in Chicago. The plaintiffs, parents of infants, claimed Abbott misled consumers about the product's safety.
Judge Matthew Kennelly found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that Similac's packaging would deceive reasonable consumers. He noted that the presence of heavy metals, microplastics, and forever chemicals is widely known, with national media having reported on potential heavy metal contamination in infant formula.
The parents, who purchased Similac between 2019 and 2024, argued that Abbott violated consumer protection laws by not disclosing the risk or presence of heavy metals. They contended they would have made different purchasing decisions had this information been available.
This lawsuit was a continuation of an earlier case dismissed in February 2025, with the current filing adding new damages claims. Heavy metals are linked to various serious health issues, including cancers and nervous system problems.
