CHICAGO, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- An Illinois mother says she is seeking class action status for a lawsuit over the recall of millions of containers of Similac powdered infant formula.
In her lawsuit, the unidentified mother says the product of Abbott Laboratories Inc. made her child and thousands of other children sick, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
Abbott issued the recall on Sept. 22 following two reports from consumers of beetle larvae in the formula. Insects and larvae were found in the Sturgis, Ill. plant making the product, the newspaper said.
The lawsuit claims Abbot knew about the insects on Sept. 16 but did not issue a recall of the products, including Isomil and Go & Grow, for a week.
"Abbott failed to properly exert quality control measures to ensure that the infant formulas were safe for consumption, did not cause adverse health effects, and did not contain beetle parts and beetle larvae," the lawsuit states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said the insects could give babies an upset stomach but will not cause long-term health problems.
"Abbott acted quickly in the best interest of children and this suit is without merit," Jennifer Smoter, a spokeswoman for Abbott, said.
