Abbott accused of deceiving dad and mom with probably dangerous formulation for toddlers

A yr after the American Academy of Pediatrics flagged what it described as “questionable advertising and marketing practices” by makers of formulation for older infants and toddlers, Abbott Laboratories is being sued over the way it pitches such merchandise. 

Abbott, a well being care merchandise conglomerate primarily based in Illinois, is deceptive dad and mom and different caregivers concerning the dietary worth of its sugar-laden toddler milks, in line with a lawsuit filed Tuesday by the Public Well being Advocacy Institute (PHAI) in opposition to the maker of Similac formulation. 

Marketed for consumption by kids ages 12 to 36 months, toddler milk is portrayed as the following step for little ones after they’ve outgrown toddler formulation permitted by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA). But not like child formulation, the toddler milk merchandise are usually not regulated by the FDA and are probably dangerous, in line with PHAI, a nonprofit authorized analysis heart situated at Northeastern College Faculty of Legislation.

Gross sales of toddler milk nationwide have averaged greater than $500 million a yr, in line with PHAI’s swimsuit, filed in U.S. district courtroom for the Northern District of Illinois. 

“Extra than simply pointless, toddler milk merchandise can really be dangerous to a baby’s dietary well being,” mentioned George Fuchs, a medical physician and professor of pediatric gastroenterology on the College of Kentucky School of Drugs Division of Pediatrics. “The added sugars can enhance a toddler’s desire for sweetened meals, contributing to weight problems and different well being dangers all through their lives,” famous Fuchs, who led the AAP report on toddler milks. 

Labeled equally to FDA-regulated toddler formulation and bought on the identical retailer cabinets, Abbott’s “Go & Develop Toddler Drink by Similac” and “Pure Bliss Toddler Drink by Similac” are labeled “Stage 3,” implying they’re the following nutritionally really useful product after “Stage 1” toddler formulation and “Stage 2” transitional formulation, the swimsuit alleges. 

“Widespread toddler milk advertising and marketing practices, together with unsubstantiated nutrition-related claims and packages that appear to be toddler formulation, mislead dad and mom and different caregivers to consider that toddler milks present dietary advantages for his or her younger kids,” mentioned Dr. Jennifer Harris, senior analysis adviser, advertising and marketing initiatives on the UConn Rudd Middle for Meals Coverage and Well being. 

Consultants together with the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate that kids above 12 months be given water and plain cow’s milk. 

Abbott didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.